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Spring. Summer. Fall. Winter. Four seasons, four consecutive narrators, four versions of the behind-the-scenes story of the uneasy rise, sudden success, constant ego battles and resentments of the pop music sensations, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Sure, there have been plenty of backstage biographical musicals before, but few have the emotional impact of Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony Award-certified Best Musical. Currently in residence at the Kravis Center through March 28, the national tour is well cast and as tightly staged and fluidly cinematic as the original Broadway production.
Of course, the show has the distinct advantage of a song trunk of Four Seasons hits — such soundtrack-of-our-lives numbers as Big Girls Don’t Cry; Walk Like a Man; My Eyes Adored You; Oh, What a Night; and on and on. But it is the who-knew back story told with humor and Garden State attitude by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice that lifts this evening far beyond just another jukebox musical.
Perhaps because they rose to prominence just before the media spotlight routinely exposed every dark recess of celebrities’ lives, the tale of these Jersey Boys unfolds with unexpected fascination. Complicating the group’s ascension are the financial mistakes, the marital strains, divisive side deals and personal tragedies that take their toll over time. As one of the group says in a don’t-judge-us-too-harshly aside to the audience, “Sell 100 million records and you see how you handle it.”
It takes quite a while for the quartet to settle on the right personnel, name and sound. Then, almost an hour into the first act, it all clicks into place with an explosive appearance on American Bandstand, as The Four Seasons and their high-pitched, nasal lead singer Valli deliver their career-making number, Sherry. From there, at least for a while, their upward climb is propelled by a string of hits, each with its four-part precision choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
Most of the show’s 33 songs are presented as nightclub act selections or live television performances. But a few are shoehorned into the show to further the narrative, like the plaintive Bye Bye Baby, sung by Valli as his daughter and then his girlfriend walk out of his life.
Reprising the role he played when Jersey Boys played the Broward Center last year, Joseph Leo Bwarie has the acting chops and freakish vocal range to be a very convincing Valli. Matt Bailey, Steve Gouveia and Ryan Jesse each get a turn relating the story as his back-up singers, with Bailey a standout as abrasive, irresponsible group originator Tommy DeVito.
Des McAnuff stages the show for maximum momentum, moving his 17-member cast around Klara Zieglerova’s Erector Set set crisply. Adding to the story’s impact and visual appeal are pop art projections by Michael Clark.
If only every Broadway tour took the production care that this show does, audiences would not be scratching their heads so often wondering what the hype was all about. Jersey Boys delivers in full on entertainment value. If you were not a Four Seasons fan going in, you will be by the end of the evening.
Jersey Boys
Where: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.
When: Through March 28.
Tickets: $35-$90.
Call: (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471.
The verdict: A biography of the backstage struggles of The Four Seasons, grafted onto a parade of song hits, lift this slickly staged show far above the usual jukebox musical.


I have seen the touring show 11 times in various cities. I will be seeing it again in Austin TX and Philadelphia PA. This is the best touring show cast that I have ever seen. The show leaves me breathless and full of joy at the end. If you can only see one live show this season make it “Jersey Boys”.