the mommy avenger

Having lived in New Jersey for half my life, my family and I are no strangers to the story of Jersey Boys. The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons feels woven into the fabric of our home, and we’ve even seen him perform live back east. Yet, despite our familiarity with Valli and his story, the performance at Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah still managed to blow us away. The production brought a fresh energy and excitement that made it feel as if we were rediscovering the journey of these iconic musicians all over again.

Tuacahn Amphitheatre, with its towering red rock cliffs and vast open-air stage, couldn’t be more different from the urban streets of New Jersey, where the story of Jersey Boys takes place. Yet, the stark contrast somehow works in the show’s favor, creating a stunning and unique backdrop for the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Watching the story unfold beneath the desert sky added an almost magical quality to the production, making it feel like a grand concert event rather than a typical stage musical. The venue truly elevated the experience, blending natural beauty with the nostalgic energy of the music.

What truly stood out, though, was the music itself. From the moment Joshua Skurnik took the stage as Frankie Valli, the show became electric. His voice was so uncannily similar to Valli’s that you could close your eyes and swear you were listening to the real artist. Skurnik’s vocal range made the performance feel like a live Four Seasons concert, transporting the audience back to the heyday of the band. Classics like “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” were performed with a crisp, bold sound that perfectly captured the essence of the original recordings. The brass instruments added a layer of richness, giving the music a powerful, authentic feel that made the entire amphitheater come alive. 

Beyond the music, Jersey Boys succeeds because of its compelling storytelling. The show expertly weaves together the highs and lows of the band’s journey, drawing you into their rise to fame while showing the personal struggles they faced along the way. The narrative is fast-paced and engaging, with moments of humor, heartache, and triumph, which is why the show continues to resonate with audiences after all these years. It’s not just a musical, but a look at the real lives behind the hits.

The production values at Tuacahn were equally impressive. Sleek Cadillacs rolled across the stage, transporting the audience back to the 1960s, while the lighting shifted perfectly with each emotional beat. And, in true Tuacahn fashion, the fireworks display during key musical numbers was a thrilling surprise, adding to the spectacle and making the performance feel larger-than-life.

Despite our familiarity with Jersey Boys, this performance at Tuacahn stood out as something special. The combination of stunning scenery, incredible live music, and top-tier performances made for an unforgettable night. This production is one that will stay with you long after the final note.

Jersey Boys continues to play at Tuacahn now through October 19, 2024. I want to go back already! You can enjoy a special discount of 35% off when using the code JERSEY35 for Monday through Thursday performances through the end of the season. Visit Tuacahn online to get your tickets and check out the other great shows and events on the schedule for the rest of the year.

^{_{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}}