SOMETIMES when we hear our favourite upbeat pop songs we don't realise just what went into making them ... the blood, sweat and tears that help shape familiar hits in life's back-catalogue.
Many bands have contributed to the soundtracks of our own lives - one American group - who are still played on radios to this day is Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Oh what a Night is one of their greatest hits - but oh, what a journey it was getting to that stage.
Production shot from 'Oh what a Night'. Picture: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
The highs and the lows, revenge and betrayal, crimes and punishments and the wine, women and song. It's all here.
This is far more than a 'jukebox' musical. It is a solid play with music that lifts the lid of success and failure featuring the true behind-the-scenes fractious development where fame came at a price.
This Grammy, Tony and Olivier-winning musical is on a UK tour and has fans of all ages lapping up this superbly told (and sang) story of the sheer determination and vision that has driven every band from The Beatles to Abba.
The Four Seasons - a quartet of talented musicians from New Jersey - splintered and became Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. climaxing in the ulimate one-off reunion and life-long honour - inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Production shot from 'Oh what a Night'. Picture: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
The sheer quality of the music remains the same touching people with their singalong, harmonious pop tunes and lyrics.
They crafted timeless disco favourites and romantic classsics.
Such is the longevity of the music that Frankie himself is still touring to this this day.
In this two-and-a-half-hour (including interval) tale of a roller coaster world which has wowed Broadway and the West End over the years, each sharp-suited member talks to the audience in turns - four narrators with a personal piece of the jigsaw to relate.
Frankie - the falsetto maestro - is played by a very likeable Luke Suri who is an accomplished dancer, too.
Norton James is the stiff and moody Nick Massi, while there are also strong performances from Blair Gibson as Bob Gaudio and Dalton Wood as wayward Tommy Devito.
Production shot from 'Oh what a Night'. Picture: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg
The hits are delivered with style and sparkle and reveal the band's wide appeal: Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Big Girls Don't Cry and Bye Bye Baby are just a a few numbers from their hit parade.
One highlight sees Luke sing Can't Take My Eyes Off You wth a stunning horn section.
A one-tier scaffolding stage set recreates New Jersey and beyond and there are some All American special effects.
Jersey Boys is one of the best musicals around and this is a very slick, super production.
Talent will win in the end.
That is the moral - just like the theme in that other great show Dreamgirls which was at the Empire recently.
Time now to meet these Jersey Boys - you won't regret hearing their story.
Globe Verdict: The 'Fab' Four Seasons - Five Stars (Four for each season and one star for Frankie)
The production is on at the Empire until Saturday, February 5.
Tickets are from the box office on 0844 871 7615
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