Jersey Boys Sparkle at PPAC

Some magnificent performances elevate Jersey Boys, which is basically an extended live episode of “Behind the Music.” That show, which aired on the VH1 network, told us all about rock legends’ rise to fame, as well as their broken relationships, struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, and numerous sexual hijinks.

In the 1960s, the Four Seasons tread down the familiar path of fame, heartbreak and tragedy. All four members take turns sharing their story. Tommy DeVito (Matthew Dailey), the headstrong leader, explains the only options for street kids from New Jersey were joining the Army, hooking up with the mob or becoming a star. DeVito, Nick Massi (Keith White), and Frankie Valli form a group, which flounders under a series of different names. Everything changed when DeVito discovered a young songwriter named Bob Gaudio (Drew Seeley), who wrote many of the group’s biggest hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.”

The Four Seasons enjoyed massive success, playing to packed auditoriums all over the country. The group had to deal with greedy record company executives, resentful wives, and rampaging egos. Nothing is really handled with any sort of depth and some moments seem similar to other music biographies. We get a brief scene here and there, and then we’re right back to the music. However, there’s a terrific moment when Valli unleashes his pent-up frustration at DeVito, who has racked up massive gambling debts. It’s one of the few moments in the show when we see how fame affected the relationships between the four men.

Jersey Boys only takes off when the music takes over. Aaron De Jesus was a vibrant and charismatic presence as Valli. He shined on the elegant “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Fallen Angel.” Dailey brought an appealing macho swagger to DeVito, who was extremely self-absorbed for much of his time with the band.

Jersey Boys isn’t a great show, but it is slickly produced and entertaining.

Jersey Boys runs through May 1 at Providence Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the PPAC Box Office, located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence; online at ppacri.org; and by phone at 401-421-ARTS (2787).