The foursome at center stage in this fast-paced show really delivers an energetic, tune-filled performance. Brian Vaughn (who performed the same role in 1999) is terrific as worry-wart Smudge, the somewhat clumsy member of the quartet. Daniel Robert Sullivan and Kevin Kiler are also perfectly cast as, respectively, stepbrothers Sparky and Jinx. As is Aaron Galligan-Stierle as Frankie, the volunteer leader of the group.

The production is packed with 24 songs, ranging from "Three Coins in the Fountain" and "Crazy 'bout Ya Baby" to such high-powered solo turns as "Cry" and "Rags to Riches," plus "Sixteen Tons," "No, Not Much" and "Heart and Soul," among others — all jukebox favorites five-plus decades ago.

They're backed by an accomplished duo — pianist Darryl W. Archibald (who also conducts the "My Fair Lady" pit orchestra) and bass player Elizabeth Rhodes.

---

If you go

What: Utah Shakespearean Festival

Where: Southern Utah University campus, Cedar City

When: Through Sept. 4

How much: $12-$44

Phone: 1-800-752-9849

Web site: www.bard.org

---

E-mail: ivan@desnews.com