The Arts Club – JERSEY BOYS

After more than 15 years as New York’s favorite musical, the Tony, Grammy® and *Olivier Award-winning JERSEY BOYS played its final performance in New York on May 22, 2022 and continues on tour in London and other parts of UK.  However; here in Vancouver…

Cast of Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

We’re lucky to have our very own Broadway-style production of JERSEY BOYS, now playing at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (an Arts Club Theatre Company Production) – held over until October 27th due to popular demand.

Photo: d. king

My friend Margeaux and I had the pleasure of seeing this on Saturday night. Oh; What a Night! – remember that was one of the hits back in the day.

I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this show.  OK; I’ll tell you – we enjoyed it very much.  The quality of the singing (which my friend thought was dubbed – it’s not) is outstanding.  With an exceptional cast and story, JERSEY BOYS features extraordinary performances by Elliot Lazar as Frankie Valli, alongside Darren Martens as Tommy DeVito, Jason Sakaki as Bob Gaudio, and Jordan Stanley as Nick Massi.

Under the direction of Julie Tomaino, JERSEY BOYS isn’t just about the music; it’s about the story behind the music. This Award–winning musical brings to life the captivating true life story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, a band that rose from the streets of New Jersey to international fame. For the Arts Club, JERSEY BOYS is more than a celebration of a legendary quartet; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to producing Broadway-calibre productions on the West Coast.

The show brings a high-energy, emotionally charged experience to the Stanley with its sharp narrative, compelling characters, and unforgettable soundtrack.

Jason Sakaki, Elliot Lazar, Darren Martens, and Tanner Zerr in Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

The creative team behind this production is equally impressive, featuring Set Designer Ryan Cormack and Costume Designer Barbara Clayden recreating the vibrant 1960’s atmosphere that defined the era of The Four Seasons. With hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” Musical Director Ken Cormier will keep audiences humming after they leave the theatre. The stage design, lighting, and soundscapes have been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that echoes the energy and nostalgia of the 1960s—a time when Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ruled the airwaves.

Cast of Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

*The Olivier Awards are recognized internationally as the highest honour in British theatre, equivalent to the BAFTA Awards for film and television, and the BRIT Awards for music.

For Tickets:

Guys and Dolls – Arts Club Theatre

A Classic Broadway Musical comes to Vancouver.

It has been some while since I’ve been to an actual Broadway show, so watching this last night was almost like being back in New York.  Meaning it was that good.

Daniel Curalli and Tenaj Williams in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

Take a leap back in time to 194o’s New York City where gambling was rampant, night club performers were raunchy and attractive but empty-headed women were referred to as “Dolls” in the hit  Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” –  now playing until June 30th at the Arts Club Stanley Alliance Stage in Vancouver.  Now celebrating their diamond anniversary – shining bright for 60 years.

The last musical I saw on this stage was “Beautiful” – the Carole King Story and it was excellent.  Of course I knew all the songs from having listened to “Tapestry” over and over again back in the day.

I must admit that I really enjoy a good musical with talented singers/dancers/actors,  so this performance of “Guys and Dolls” hit all the right notes.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and the familiarity of songs I’ve heard in the past such as “Sue Me” and “If I were a Bell.”

Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

Based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon, “Guys and Dolls” first premiered in 1950 with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling & Abe Burrows. Set in the bustling streets of New York City, the show follows the intertwining stories of gamblers, nightclub performers, and missionaries.

At its heart, “Guys and Dolls” is a romantic comedy, featuring colorful characters such as Nathan Detroit, a lovable but perpetually broke gambler; Miss Adelaide, his long-suffering fiancée of 14 years who is desperate to get him to the altar; Sky Masterson, a suave and high-rolling gambler; and Sarah Brown, a devout missionary trying to save souls in the midst of the city’s chaos.

Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

The plot revolves around Nathan’s attempts to find a venue for his infamous floating craps game while simultaneously trying to avoid commitment to Adelaide. Meanwhile, Sky makes a bet that he can take Sarah on a date to Havana, Cuba, leading to unexpected romantic entanglements.

Filled with catchy tunes like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Guys and Dolls” is known for its vibrant characters, witty dialogue, and toe-tapping music. It’s a delightful blend of humor, romance, and old-school charm that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal.

Yasmin D’Oshun, Madeleine Suddaby, Shannon Hanbury in Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

For Tickets and information on Cast please visit:  https://artsclub.com/shows/2023-2024/guys-and-dolls

 

Header image: Cast of Guys & Dolls, 2024; set design by Scott Penner; costume design by Christine Reimer; lighting design by Gerald King; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company