This show is simply brilliant and single handedly shows that it is possible to make a musical play (for that is what it is) out of classic pop songs, without resorting to contrived plots as in Mamma Mia. It helps, of course, that the story behind the careers of the 4 Seasons was a sort of a roller coaster and, moreover, that until now it was largely unknown, meaning that the story appears new and fresh. In contrast the songs are very familiar. And what songs they are! The group's songs (as opposed to Valli's solo outings) could be described as "everything but the kitchen sink": poignant situations told in simple lyrics, interesting often driving rhythms, clever production, lovely harmonies and, most importantly, beautiful melodies.

All credit to the writers, directors et al for the witty and engaging way in which the story is told. The atmosphere of time and place is evoked by a simple but effective set and excellent costmes, lighting etc. The direction keeps the show pacy and it is significant that many of the songs are only given as excerpts. This may at first seem frustrating to fans but of course it means that the audience leaves the theatre wanting more, a far better feeling than that of over satisfaction.

Ultimately the thing that makes the show so convincing is the acting and singing of the four leads. In the excitement of the theatre they become the 4 Seasons and even appear to transcend them to become more like the 4 Seasons than the 4 Seasons! Particularly impressive are the performances of "Dawn(Go Away)" staged in a highly effective way and "Can't take my eyes off you" which brings down the house in the middle of the second act.

Of the four leads, my two favourites were Christian Hoff and John Lloyd Young. Hoff portrays Tommy DeVito as a sort of likeable rougue. He is the guy who plays up the populist New Jersey theme, sort of "New Jersey- you got a problem with that?". Inevitably, though, the star of the show has to be John Lloyd Young who plays Valli as the little guy with the big heart and voice. Not only does he resemble Valli in his youth but his vocal replication of Valli is quite uncanny. So when the group performs "Dawn" you really feel transported back to 1964 and at the end of "Can't take my eyes off you" when he takes his bow, there seem to be two levels present – appreciation of John Lloyd Young's brilliant performance and (because JLY seems almost a reincarnation) also of Valli.

I've seen it twice and the positive buzz is almost universal. Time and again in the interval or on the way out you'll hear people say it's the best show they've seen in years and they'll be coming again. Get tickets if you can!

Martin Wright 11/17/05