Jersey Boys - triumphant, phenomenal and definitely worth watching
London theatre fans hoping to check out a roof-raising show may wish to consider Jersey Boys in the West End.
It opened in the British capital in February 2008 at the Prince Edward Theatre and has since become one of the critics' best-loved shows.
A tribute musical, it tells the story of the chart success of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, a group which originally came to prominence as a rock and roll band in the early 1960s.
However, in a different format to shows like Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You, it details the history of The Four Seasons with each part narrated by a different member of the band.
This allows the audience to get to grips with the often gritty story of the group, who came from the wrong side of the tracks and found themselves involved with the Mafia, as well as seeking success even if it meant leaving behind friends and family.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons achieved phenomenal success in the charts, with hits like Big Girls Don't Cry, Ain't That a Shame and Beggin'. They have sold over 175 million records worldwide, according to Rolling Stone, and were matched only by the Beach Boys in popularity in the early 1960s.
Virtually all of the band's hits are featured in Jersey Boys, so people with theatre tickets for the musical who remember the original band from their youth are sure to be able to sing along.
Jersey Boys has taken home a string of awards, as well as excellent reviews.
And the Jersey Boys formula is one that certainly seems to be working, with more than four million people having seen it worldwide. It has also won 21 major awards, including an Olivier for Best New Musical in 2008, while critics have lauded it for its upbeat atmosphere and interesting storyline.
Chris Harding of the Dorchester Reporter recently praised the short, sharp scenes and excellent singing, commenting that it builds "a tsunami-like force" for the audience.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Maupin of the Orlando Sentinel recommended it especially to those who were teenagers in the Swinging Sixties, saying its nostalgia, music and "eye-popping" presentation will make theatregoers "feel good all over".
Michael Parkinson, often an outspoken critic, also recently enjoyed Jersey Boys and urged anyone who has not yet done so to "go see it", pointing out that it covers the mob, betrayal, love and revenge in a story as exciting as any soap opera.
"I suspect it may be some time before London says Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye) to the phenomenal Jersey Boys," concluded the Telegraph's Charles Spencer.
You can book Jersey Boys tickets for the Prince Edward theatre now.