By Susan Short
“Oh, What a Night!” – Jersey Boys Electrifies Florida Studio Theatre with Heart, Harmony, and a Knockout Cast
There are jukebox musicals, and then there’s Jersey Boys—the one that roars to life, flips the script, and reminds you why a four-part harmony from four tough kids outta Jersey can still shake the rafters. Florida Studio Theatre’s current production is a thunderbolt of talent, led by Nicholas Fernandez as the legendary Frankie Valli, and it’s got the kind of spark that turns a night at the theatre into something unforgettable.
This is not just a stroll down memory lane—it’s a deep dive into fame, fallout, and the fire it takes to make something timeless.
From the Street Corner to Center Stage
Jersey Boys tracks the real-life rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, one of the most iconic American pop groups of the 1960s. But this isn’t your typical music bio. Told from different points of view—it’s a fast-paced, no-nonsense chronicle of brotherhood, betrayal, and belting out chart-topping hits like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
And while the music is front and center, the emotional truth behind the lyrics is what makes this show sing.
Nicholas Fernandez Is Frankie Valli—Full Stop.
As Frankie, Nicholas Fernandez doesn’t impersonate. He inhabits. He lets the falsetto fly—yes—but he also digs deep into the cost of holding that high note through loss, love, and loyalty tested to the limit. Fernandez brings a rawness to Valli’s boy-next-door charm, showing us not just the voice, but the man behind it.
His performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a showstopper, a full-body soul cry. And his quieter scenes—like the devastating “Fallen Angel”—prove that the biggest emotional punches don’t always come with drums.
The Four That Made the Sound
The strength of Jersey Boys lives and dies by its quartet, and this one is rock-solid. As Tommy DeVito, Corey Greenan exudes swagger, charm, and just enough volatility to light a match under every scene he enters. He’s the hustler with heart and a chip on his shoulder—a guy who can make or break a band with one decision, and does both.
Andrew Mauney nails the dry humor and quiet intensity of Nick Massi, the bass player with a simmering frustration and a wicked sense of comic timing. When he finally lets it all out, the audience erupts right on cue.
Landon Zwick brings thoughtful charisma and earnest brilliance to Bob Gaudio, the musical architect of the Four Seasons sound. His scenes with Fernandez pulse with creative electricity—two artists building something that lasts, no matter what’s falling apart around them.
Together, these four don’t just recreate the music—they resurrect the chemistry, tension, and undeniable magic that turned street-corner doo-wop into pop gold.
“Nicholas Fernandez leads a cast that turns Florida Studio Theatre into a time machine—one powered by harmony, heartbreak, and sheer vocal fire.”
The Supporting Ensemble: Small Cast, Big Punch
Every great band needs a strong ensemble around it, and this cast delivers. From the tough-love wives to the slick industry insiders, the supporting roles are handled with sharp precision and depth.
The compact ensemble moves seamlessly through dozens of characters and quick-change moments, keeping the energy high and the storytelling crystal clear. The transitions are smooth, the pacing tight, and every side character—from mobsters to makeup artists—feels like part of the story, not just set dressing.
Design That Hits All the Right Notes
Scenic design by Isabel A. and Moriah Curley-Clay gives the show its clean, kinetic visual rhythm. Modular set pieces flow easily from street corners to sound booths to spotlit stages. It’s stripped-down but rich with atmosphere—letting the performances breathe while keeping the momentum pulsing forward.
Costume designer Kathleen Geldard outfits the show with period flair—from sharp suits and skinny ties to the glammed-up sparkle of television appearances. The visual evolution of the band through the decades is subtle and stylish, never overdone.
And under the music direction of Nathanial Beliveau, the sound is simply thrilling. Every harmony lands. Every beat drives. The band is tight, the vocals soar, and the iconic songs we all know hit harder than ever.
More Than Just the Hits
What makes Jersey Boys feel so immediate—so alive—is that it’s not afraid to show the shadows behind the spotlight. The laughs come easy, but so do the lumps in the throat. Loss, ego, loyalty, money, family—it’s all part of the score. And this production doesn’t flinch from the hard notes.
There’s a moment, toward the end, where the music quiets, and the story’s weight finally lands. And then comes the quote that says it all:
“It’s a show that hits you with a song, then punches you in the heart. And somehow, you’re grateful for both.”
That’s Jersey Boys at Florida Studio Theatre in one perfect line. A story that lets you feel the joy and the cost of creating something unforgettable—and a cast that leaves it all on the stage.
Final Chord
If you’re looking for a night that brings down the house and lifts up your spirit, this is it. Jersey Boys at Florida Studio Theatre doesn’t just entertain—it elevates. With powerhouse performances, impeccable design, and a show that moves as much as it grooves, this production proves that the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons still sings loud and true.
👞 “Sharp suits, tighter harmonies, and raw emotion—this production struts like a pop hit and lands like a legend.”
Don’t walk like a man—run to get a ticket.
https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org
