I saw the prior Jersey Boys performance when it was in Chicago and loved it. Having the opportunity to go again this May, I anticipated enjoying the performance very much. Sadly, this year's show has been altered, injecting much needless vulgarity and double entendre, taking away from the freshness of the story. In the past, the scene surrounding the song "Oh What a Night" was very amusing and more subtle in its suggestion of what transpired. Now it's about as subtle as a sledge hammer and, with crotch gyrations and women in tasteless hooker outfits, it's just plain crude.
The current performers, with the exception of the fellow who plays Gaudio, are heavy-handed, dull and thoroughly unappealing. Their individual performances lack enthusiasm, the changes to the staging are not an improvement and the whole thing seems forced and 'old.' What a disappointment.