***CRITIC’S PICK***

THE ANDREWS BROTHERS

at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center

Roger Bean is a master at creating high-spirited jukebox musicals (The Marvelous Wonderettes). Now in its West Coast premiere is Bean’s gleeful salute to the USO shows that entertained our overseas troops during World War II. Adding to the appeal is the reunion of three gifted actor-singers (David Engel, Stan Chandler, and Larry Raben) from the original production of Stuart Ross’ Forever Plaid, the granddaddy of jukebox musicals. Stir in a pinup-girl performer (played to perfection by sweet-voiced Darcie Roberts) clearly modeled on Betty Grable, and the stage is set for stellar entertainment. Under Nick DeGruccio’s direction, the potential for fun is realized at every turn.

What sets this apart from most jukebox tuners is the seamless way Bean integrates evergreen 1940s tunes into a clever story line. The slapstick antics of the consummate cast elevate the piece beyond a nostalgic songfest. With its charming characters and wonderful sense of time and place enhanced by an inspired production design, this feels like a loving re-creation of those wonderful B-movie musicals of the 1940s, driven by scintillating musical sequences and infectious broad humor. The zany plot is vintage I Love Lucy, with a touch of Some Like It Hot. Three men who were rejected from military enlistment due to minor health ailments have been serving as stagehands on USO tours, yet each yearns to be on stage. During a gig at a South Pacific Army base, the trio finagles its way into a guest spot in a revue, starring the Andrews Sisters, featuring supporting songstress Peggy Jones (Roberts). When the sisters cancel their appearance, our trusty three don wigs, makeup, and high heels to carry on in show-must-go-on fashion.

As the basket-case neurotic Patrick, aka Patty, Raben offers a tour de force explosion of hilarity. In drag or out, this performer knows his way around a laugh line and a physical comedy bit. Roberts’ sexy and saucy performance feels like a career breakthrough; she’s a delectable cross between classy Mitzi Gaynor and goofy Martha Raye. Engels as Max, aka Maxine, is likewise a first-rate farceur. The uproarious Chandler as the nearsighted Lawrence is Mister Magoo by way of Laverne Andrews.

Roger Castellano’s chorography is terrific, at its best in the showstopping “Plain Jane Doe” tap quartet, and John Glaudini’s buoyant music direction seals the deal. This Musical Theatre West production is unadulterated musical comedy bliss.

Presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Thu.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 & 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Apr. 19-May 4. (562) 856-1999, ext. 4. www.musical.org.

Reviewed by Les Spindle