'Jersey Boys' make a great evening in New Haven

NEW HAVEN -- When I asked intrepid Shubert exec Anthony Lupinacci how Tuesday's opening night for "Jersey Boys" went, he said simply, "Great!" Now I know what he meant.

Wednesday's  audience likewise was thrilled by the show, which plays through Oct. 7 at the storied theater on College Street. And for an old Four Seasons fan, the show is some adjective beyond "great." Maybe "freakin' awesome" or something you would hear in Jersey.
You can nitpick certain notes during this demanding show vocally (see a fascinating look into the guy playing Frankie Valli in Donna Doherty's Sunday story http://nhregister.com/articles/2012/09/21/entertainment/arts/doc505d155543677237732278.txt ), but mostly these guys sound close to the originals. And on Bob Gaudio's timeless hits, that's standing-ovation material.
The musicianship doesn't hurt either. The final few numbers are played with the horn section standing on the stage's metallic-looking riser above the cast.
The Shubert staff and volunteers are friendly and available, including Executive Director John Fisher, at the exit doors after the show chatting up happy patrons.
A little tip about parking: If you're going to use the Shubert garage, get there a half-hour early at least. It's a slow go for the last 20 minutes up the spiral. A better option might be the Temple Street Garage, which will be easier to enter and exit but involves a short downtown walk.