Street Corner Crooners

What were the chances that a musical like Jersey Boys, inspired by the ’60s-era street-corner crooners the Four Seasons, would be a hit on Broadway? Pretty darn good, considering the number of Tony Awards the show swept up in 2006. It turns out that the idea of an all-male vocal...

By Susan Froyd

March 7, 2013

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What were the chances that a musical like Jersey Boys, inspired by the ’60s-era street-corner crooners the Four Seasons, would be a hit on Broadway? Pretty darn good, considering the number of Tony Awards the show swept up in 2006. It turns out that the idea of an all-male vocal combo isn’t all that moldy, and part of what made the show a smash was the unified vocal pyrotechnics of the cast members, who apparently hit it off off-stage as well as on.

The result of those backstage friendships and affinities is not a Jersey Boys show in any respect; it’s The Doo Wop Project, a new stage show dedicated to the seminal doo-wop sound that in turn inspired Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Featuring a changing ensemble of Jersey Boys cast members past and present, The Doo Wop Project is anchored by tunes made famous by groups like Randy and the Rainbows, Thurston Harris and the Skyliners, with a few contemporary songs, performed doo-wop style, thrown into the mix. But the show also includes personal reminiscences and Broadway shop talk by the performers, lending an insider tone to the musical entertainment.

The Doo Wop Project rocks and rolls its way into the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street in Lone Tree, for a one-night stand beginning at 7:30 p.m.; tickets start at $36 and can be purchased in advance at www.lonetreeartscenter.org or by calling 720-509-1000.
Mon., March 11, 7:30 p.m., 2013

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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