The temperatures outside the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple might have dipped below freezing on Friday night, but inside the stage was hotter than ever.
The Midtown Men - Michael Longoria, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer - had the crowd laughing and clapping throughout a concert that boasted such 1960s hits as "Big Girls Don't Cry," "My Girl" and "Daydream Believer." And the quartet will stick around Scranton this weekend for four more shows, presented by Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania at the cultural center.
The four stars previously found success on the Broadway stage while originating roles in the hit musical "Jersey Boys," based on the story and music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Their time together in that cast led to the Midtown Men's formation, and they now tour the country singing some of the most beloved music of the 1960s.
And they're a funny bunch, too, playing well off each other when chatting between songs. Joking with the audience and poking fun at one another, they had the crowd laughing with stories about their upbringing and experiences on Broadway. With their impeccable attire, bright smiles and wit, the group oozed a charm the audience ate up.
But the night was, of course, about the music, and the audience clapped along as the group ran through a set list that included music by the Temptations, the Beatles, the Jackson 5 and - of course - the Four Seasons. They didn't seem to try for exact imitations of the originals, which served them well by allowing them to infuse their own style while still keeping alive the songs' integrity.
They encouraged the audience to dance and sing along at times, too, and many people seemed more than happy to oblige. It made for an entertaining night all around, as the audience couldn't help but absorb some of the fun the Midtown Men clearly seemed to have while performing.
With four Broadway vets - including a Tony award winner and a Tony nominee - on stage, the audience might have expected a show full of strong voices, slick dancing and a style only the best of the best can provide.
And the Midtown Men did not disappoint on any of those counts.
Contact the writer: cheaney@timesshamrock.com, @cheaneyTT on Twitter If you go
n What: The Midtown Men
n When: today, 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, 1 and 6 p.m.
n Where: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.
n Details: Tickets are $39, $49 and $59 and are available at the box office, over the phone at 800-745-3000 or 342-7784 or online at www.ticket master.com.