Four-part harmony from Jersey

JUKEBOX musicals deserve their bad rap, sacrificing imagination for commercial familiarity. But if you’re inclined in this direction, you definitely won’t want to miss “Jersey Boys,” the Garden State groove-along that was last year’s Tony winner for best musical.

The show, which opens at the Ahmanson on June 3, tells the story of the rise and fall and almost-too-good-to-be-true comeback of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Valli’s one-of-a-kind falsetto and heartthrob sincerity define a romantic era for baby boomers. And the hits, though bordering on the treacly, are nearly impossible to resist.

The book might traffic in the usual “Behind the Music” cliches and “Sopranos”-style stereotyping, but there’s something undeniably involving about the group’s blue-collar-to-shiny-suit journey. And under the smooth direction of Des McAnuff, the production (which was born at the La Jolla Playhouse) blends sympathy with a classic “Who Loves You” sound.

“Jersey Boys,” Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Runs June 3 to Aug. 31. 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. $20 to $100. (213) 972-4400, CenterTheatreGroup.org