The new singing and dancing sensation New Jersey Nights landed at the New Theatre in Cardiff tonight. The cast of a three piece-band, 6 dancers and four male singers did an outstanding job to deliver a packed two-hour show. The musical numbers were pieced together with segments of background information around the music industry and Frankie Valli’s life during his career, told in a fragmented sequence. It was a surprise that there was no programme available for the performance, but this made the show more interesting as you never quite knew what was coming next. The costumes and accompanying light show were perfectly done, with the costumes becoming dazzling in the second-half to compliment big dance numbers such as ‘Let’s Hang On’ and ‘Can’t Take my Eyes off You’. There were two breath-taking solo performances, one of which was the emotive ‘My Eyes Adored You’. The show includes all of Frankie Valli’s biggest hits such as: Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man which is performed as the final song to Act 1. You would be mistaken if you thought this was a show you just go along and watch, nothing could be further from the truth as the New Jersey Nights is a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and singing immersive experience you can’t help but play an active role in. With songs from other past artists such as The Temptations and The Ronettes there is something for everyone to sing along to. The set changes were seamless and in reflection with the musical numbers. This is the show you don’t want to end, the crowd at the new theatre couldn’t get enough of the musical performances that make this show the perfect night out.
New Jersey Nights is at the New Cardiff Tuesday 7th May 2019 – Saturday 11th May 2019 – Evenings 7:30pm, Thursday & Saturday 2:30 + 7:30pm
Tickets: £13 – £32
Box Office 02920 87 88 89 or book online www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
A Review by Melissa Compton.
