Who woulda thunk that the best-reviewed of all the "jukebox musicals" would be inspired by the old-fashioned falsettos of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons? Such was the surprise of the Tony-winning Jersey Boys, which intertwined the boy band's infectious string of chart-toppers ("Sherry," "Rag Doll") with a compelling account of the group's rise to fame, sealing the deal with sharp choreography and incendiary performances. If you don't like the Four Seasons already, this show might just turn you into a fan (well, except maybe for the terminally annoying "Walk Like A Man"). The national touring company opens this week for a month-long run at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Feb. 13-March 15, 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sun. (special 2 p.m. performance Thurs., Feb. 14), Carol Morsani Hall-TBPAC, downtown Tampa, $48-$153.50, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org.
This article appears in Feb 6-12, 2008.