Back in the 1950s, on any given summer night in the “old neighborhood,” you’d be almost guaranteed to hear a group of teenage boys harmonizing under a street lamp on the corner, likely near a candy store. These otherwise young toughs, whose life choices were mostly limited to joining the Army, the local mob or sadly ending up in jail, found solace and ultimately fame in sharing their voices in song.

Argyle Theatre’s production of “Jersey Boys” is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, who, through the power of music, fought their way from humble beginnings to the top of the charts with enduring hits like “Earth Angel,”  “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Sherry,” to name a few. Four young men, Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Bob Gaudio, played by Zane Zapata, Evan Ross Brody, Milo Alosi and Weston LeCrone, respectively, sang songs with style, and still sung today. Each song throughout the show was sung perfectly, with Zapata’s falsetto delivering the group’s signature authenticity.

Director and choreographer Todd L. Underwood captured the nostalgic feel of the story, taking the audience through every stage of the ups and downs of the group’s lives swiftly, effortlessly transitioning from one scene to the next without missing a beat. The audience was invited to completely empathize with every triumphant or difficult moment in their careers.

The book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe, adeptly tuck the songs into the story at just the right spots so you can clearly envision exactly what Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were up to in their lives and how their music provided the story behind the performers. Friendship, family, hardships, life lessons and triumph are strong messages throughout. Songs like “Walk Like a Man” and “Working My Way Back to You” reflect their vulnerability and emotional growth, both as the group and as individuals.

Costume designer Amanda Scanze did an amazing job bringing authentically suave costuming to life… when the Four Seasons came onstage toward the end of the show, there was an audience-wide gasp of excitement as their golden suit jackets shimmered in the lights, designed by Eric Norbury. Music coordinator Russell Brown did an excellent job balancing the stage band with the overall music of the show. Every performer and every song was a delight to listen to.

“Jersey Boys” is so worth seeing, whether you were there at their beginning and know every song by heart or a new fan of this fabulous show. Don’t miss it!