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The story of four blue-collar boys from New Jersey who cross over from the wrong side of the tracks and travel all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has the audience cheering, stomping and clapping as Jersey Boys plays The Bushnell in Hartford.

More than 30 tunes made popular by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are featured in the show, which won the 2006 Tony for Best Musical. The tour comes in a package that does justice to the original production, including its fast-changing sets (Klara Zieglerova), 609 lighting cues (Howell Binkley , lighting design), video projections (Michael Clark), 196 costumes designed by Jess Goldstein and tight choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

While the glitzy show, originally directed by Tony winner Des McAnuff, is visually and musically stimulating, the real reason for its success is the excellent book from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, which tells the story of Frankie Valli (Joseph Leo Bwarie), Bob Gaudio (Josh Franklin), Tommy DeVito (Matt Bailey) and Nick Massi (Steve Gouveia) as they live, fight, love and support each other on the road to becoming the sensation of the Four Seasons. The book serves as a natural frame into which to showcase the group’s songs, instead of as an invented plot around which popular songs are scattered, as had become the formula for other hopeful “jukebox musicals” on Broadway following the popularity of Mamma Mia!. Music Director Ron Melrose’s stealth, but slight quickening of the tempo of the songs also enhances the experience by making oldies like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh, What a Night,” “Walk Like a Man,” Sherry” and Dawn (Go Away)” appeal to contemporary audiences.

The principals, along with Jonathan Hadley as Bob Crewe, who put lyrics to Gaudio’s music, are strong and lead fine performances by a cast of 19 (which includes some musicians who appear on stage) with some members playing up to 17 roles. Bwarie has a fine falsetto and performed the Valli role in Las Vegas. Gouveia was a member of the original Broadway cast and has been with the show since its premiere at the LaJolla Playhouse.

--- Lauren Yarger

Jersey Boys plays at The Bushnell (166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT) through Feb. 22. Performance times are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by calling 860-987-5900 or by visiting www.bushnell.org.