Boys Will Be Boys

Once upon a time, chart-topping pop acts assembled themselves. No studio execs, no choreography lessons and no extreme makeovers. Likewise, in the heyday of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, big girls didn't cry, guys walked like a man from bad relationships, and when folks got all that suppressed crying and manly walking out of their systems, they worked their way back to each other. No whining allowed. It's almost like some street tough from New Jersey wrote the hits in those days. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi) provided the soundtrack to many generations, and although Behind the Music wasn't available then, we're getting their story now with the musical Jersey Boys. And, it's more Sopranos than N'Sync. The guys from Jersey were a little rough around the edges, with plenty of drugs, womanizing and rumors of Mafia involvement. And, they're named for a New Jersey bowling alley. Basically, they were an agent's worst nightmare. But, they were really good. And once upon a time, that's all that really mattered. Jersey Boys shows at 2 and 8 p.m. nightly through August 16 at Fair Park Music Hall, 909 First Ave. Tickets are $25 to $124. Call 214-565-1116 or visit dallassummermusicals.org.
Tuesdays-Sundays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, Sundays, 2 p.m. Starts: July 23. Continues through Aug. 16, 2008