“Oh, What A Night” when two decades of “Jersey Boys” works its way back to CIBC Theatre

Photos provided by Jeremy Daniel

No matter how many times “Jersey Boys” comes to Chicago, it’s always destined to delight, boasting both the story and songs of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, who share the unique distinction of having sold 175 million records before even turning 30-years-old.

Given the show’s ceaseless streak of doo-wop sing-a-longs and the surrounding drama behind the scenes, it’s also no surprise this Tony and Grammy Award winner with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, plus music by actual group member Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe, has thus far attracted over 30 million attendees since debuting on Broadway in 2025.

During the ongoing “20th Anniversary” Tour, currently at the CIBC Theatre until Sunday, November 22, the principles are played by Coby Oram (Valli), Peyton Schoenhofer (Gaudio), Harry Sperduto (Tommy DeVito) and Owen McCredie (Nick Messi), all of whom seem well-equipped when it comes to recreating the disparate characters and harmony-laden standards that ruled the 1960s.

Across two-plus hours, it was apparent these blue collar boys from the wrong side of the New Jersey tracks accumulated quite a lot of hits, such as early smashes “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like A Man,” through the comebacks “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Who Loves You” and “December 1963 (Oh, What A Night).”

Another factor in the unceasing appeal surrounding “Jersey Boys” is its desire to extend well beyond a standard jukebox musical and follow the real-life timeline of a tale so unreal, it has to be seen to be believed.

After tracing their teenage antics, scoring a coveted record deal and achieving more fame than could ever be imagined, “Jersey Boys” dives into deeper territory, including unsavory connections with the mafia, a massive tax lien, an unfathomable season of grief for the singer and his unlikely ability to top of the charts again as a solo artist.

In fact, there’s plenty to inspire the underdog in everyone, which alongside an infectious soundtrack able to endure well beyond its generation, still makes “Jersey Boys” one of the most entertaining and moving productions of at least the last two decades, if not a whole lot longer.