Jersey Boys

Pop quiz, everybody!

What band wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds, and sold 175 million records worldwide...all before they were 30? That would be Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, of course, a group that included Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, and Mr. Frankie Valli himself.

Many fans from all over the world are familiar with the result of their musical journey and the unforgettable tunes that came from their success. Few have knowledge, though, of their beginnings as four blue collar Jersey guys who started with nothing and eventually became one of the biggest names in music history.

"Jersey Boys", currently playing at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, is the Broadway sensation that follows their timeless journey from rags to riches and all the pleasures and pains that came along the way for the guys.

Winner of the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, the impressive production delves into the origins of all their greatest hits, from "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Can't Take My Eyes off You" to "Sherry" and "Oh! What a Night."

Each member of the original group tells pieces of their story, which builds momentum and leads up to performances of some of their biggest musical hits and finishes with the bands induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The show's 2.5 hour running time breezes through without hiccup, cemented together with crisp pacing by the show's very talented director, Des McAnuff. Set changes occur at lightning speed and never disrupt the flow of the script by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, who weave together a story that blends plot and comedy with music, seamlessly.

"Jersey Boys" features impressive actor versions of the singers, lead by Joseph Leo Bwarie, who has played Valli in the show for a few years now. And for good reason! The guy has energy, charisma, and unforgettable chemistry with his fellow performers. His voice is immaculately tuned to that of the real Valli.

It's hard to believe, at age 77, the real Frankie Valli is still performing for fans of all ages, both solo and with four younger Seasons. He'll be at the Hard Rock Live in South Florida on March 2-3, giving fans that can't get enough of the band's catchy music a second chance to experience them. Oh, what a night that will be...