Jersey more!

While the initial appeal of “Jersey Boys” may be a soundtrack-ripe golden oldies like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Oh What A Night,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” there’s actually plenty of surprises beyond just a standard Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons jukebox musical. The Tony- and Grammy-winning show is also notable (and notorious) for boasting the behind-the-scenes escapades of Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi, who collectively sold 175 million albums before hitting 30.

As the fellas springboard from singing under the streetlamps of New Jersey to the big time, the ensuring fame and fortune causes plenty of problems. The one time inseparable friends eventually go their own ways, marred by some members’ creative differences, excessive partying, jail time, and even a harrowing run-in with the mafia. (Who knew the seemingly squeaky clean cats were capable of such?)

The drama continues to escalate in unexpected ways during Valli’s solo career, and without giving too much away, his road toward a comeback is tainted by a devastating loss. Considering over a million Chicagoans and 13 million worldwide theatergoers already took in the show since its 2006 debut, that cat may already be out of the bag, but even for those who know the ending, there’s still plenty of harmony-heavy hits to bank on. (Now-Sunday, June 3@ Bank of America Theatre)

– Andy Argyrakis

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly