‘Jersey Boys’ a perfect tribute to the classic sound of The Four Seasons

Dazzling the audience with more than 30 classic songs spanning 40 years of music from the legendary 1960s pop/rock band The Four Seasons, “Jersey Boys” is equally compelling in its story of the four men who emerged from the streets (and jails) of New Jersey to become one of the best-selling musical acts of all time.

Opening on Broadway in 2005 and capturing four Tony Awards in 2006 for Best Musical, Best Actor, Best Featured Actor and Best Lighting Design, the “Jersey Boys” touring cast shines with the talents Ryan Jesse (as Bob Gaudio), Steve Gouveia (Nick Massi), Matt Bailey (Tommy DeVito) and especially Joseph Leo Bwarie (Frankie Valli), whose amazing voice range and stirring renditions of the band’s hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like A Man” are so reminiscent of Valli himself. The show is divided into four parts — each a different season — and tells the band’s story in monologues from each member, from DeVito’s recruitment of Valli in the late 1950s and the formation of The Four Seasons in 1960 to the original band’s split and eventual reunion for the group’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Catching an inside glimpse into the dynamics and trials of the band members is fascinating — DeVito’s slippery personality, Gaudio’s songwriting genius, Massi’s underrated talent and Valli’s quiet but honorable personality. In fact, the story itself is as entertaining as the tunes of “Jersey Boys,” which is arguably the best venue for experiencing the music of the Four Seasons today.

"Jersey Boys" performances are scheduled through July 25, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays (1 p.m. only July 25 and an extra 2 p.m. Thursday matinee July 22). Tickets are $20 to $82.50 and are available online at www.civiccenter.org. Note: Strong language may not be appropriate for youth.