"Those Fabulous Fifties and Sixties" somewhat mirrors other musical revues offered by this company in the past - "Best of the Bands" and "Those Fabulous Fifties," both recent productions and both very enjoyable.

Dan Embree describes a new wave of music and some of its early creators. The iconoclastic musical, "Hair," was a pretty authentic '60s statement about peace versus war and tolerance versus judgment. The show opens with an electric reprisal of "The Age of Aquarius." We're on our way and already know it will be a memorable ride.

The music of Buddy Holly, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Elvis, The Loving Spoonfuls, Simon and Garfunkel, Connie Francis, Patsy Cline, The Mamas and The Papas, Ritchie Valens. Chicago and The Isley Brothers, just to name a few, brought back memories and soothed or invigorated us again.

The ensemble numbers with their tight harmonies and zesty choreography were especially impressive. Besides the Aquarius number from "Hair," which opened the show, they used "Let the Sunshine In" from the same '60s hit musical as their finale. Other ensemble treats included the inspiring "Stand By Me," the soulful "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and the free-flowing 5th Dimension number, "Up, Up and Away." All were very moving.

The solo numbers that stood out among many good ones include the versatile Mathew Schwartz's recreation of "La Bamba" with its fascinating rhythms and his capture of the pure simple sound of "Scarborough Fair."

Lindsay Powell's earnest "Where the Boys Are," Toni Carrington's authentic delivery of Patsy Cline's beautiful "Sweet Dreams," Cooper David Grodin's sweet rendering of The Beatles' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and Cary Von Murray's inimitable delivery of "Shout," as well as his relaxed, hip-styling of Otis Redding's "Sittin on the Dock of the Bay," almost drove me to start a premature standing ovation.

Besides the melodic vocal arrangements, we also got to watch seven great musicians do their stuff from the center of the stage. John Hibler did wonders with Lulu's "Back in Town" on his clarinet, and Jeff Pietrangelo did a furious, intricate arrangement of the "Green Hornet" show theme on his trumpet. The whole band blasted out the "Hawaii Five-0" theme with verve. What a power-packed group of instrumentalists.

Variety, comedy, musical history and a sequence of wonderful tunes filled the air during two and a half hours of sheer pleasure. A review of '50s and '60s fashions was another bonus, thanks to costume designer, Eleanor Kingsley.

We'll never forgot Dan Embree's resurrection of the one and only Ed Sullivan, either, a sort of fuddy duddy guy with a great eye for talent and who launched many a dreamer to stardom.

This production runs multiple times per week through March 7. Call 800-477-9505 for times and tickets. Group rates are available.