Ever thought about a dream trip to New York to see the sights and a Broadway show?

Sounds great, doesn't it, but also very expensive.

Well, Wolverhampton might not be able to compete with New York in terms of its tourist attractions but Jersey Boys at the Grand Theatre will match anything you might see on Broadway and at a fraction of the price.

Jersey Boys is a slick, fast paced, high energy musical that tells the story of the formation, rise to success and eventual break-up of the 1960's rock 'n' roll group The Four Seasons.

It is cleverly presented in a documentary style structured in four parts ("seasons") each narrated by a different member of the group, giving their own perspective on the story.

Musicals are sometimes weak when it comes to the storyline but Jersey Boys provides an interesting insight into the quest for fame and fortune in the music industry as well as the pressures that success brings.

It is, however, the music that's at the heart of any musical and Jersey Boys features a long list of great songs including Big Girls Don't Cry, Sherry, December 1963 (Oh, What A Night), Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back To You, and Rag Doll.

I never owned a Four Seasons record but their catchy pop tunes, with Frankie Valli's iconic vocals were always there in the soundtrack of my youth via the radio and Top of the Pops.

Jersey Boys reminded me of just how many great songs the group produced over the years.

It isn't just a feast of nostalgia for 'people of a certain age' though; any fan of pop music, young or old, is sure to enjoy Jersey Boys.

The original Four Seasons recordings featured Frankie Valli with his unique, unusually powerful falsetto voice and I was apprehensive about how their sound could possibly be reproduced on stage.

I needn't have worried because all of the vocal performances were wonderfully impressive and more than did justice to the songs.

Combined with great musicianship by the orchestra the considerable challenge of replicating the Four Seasons sound was met in spectacular fashion.

Jersey Boys runs at the Grand until Saturday February 20 but tickets are bound to sell fast for such a great show.

GKH