Photo by Alysa Brennan

Writer-director Roger Bean's formula of wrapping chart-topping songs of a specific era around a nostalgic story earned him blockbuster success with such shows as "The Marvelous Wonderettes," "The Andrews Brothers," and "Life Could Be a Dream."

His latest jukebox musical takes us on a fun-filled journey to San Francisco during the flower-child movement of the late 1960s, recounting the story of a rocky romance set right. The mood occasionally becomes slightly darker, when he raises the specters of social unrest and the Vietnam War. Think "Hair" meets "Mamma Mia!" Yet exuberant spirits predominate, courtesy of Bean's charming script, the to-die-for score, a prodigious ensemble cast, and a gorgeous production design.

In the peace-and-love atmosphere of Golden Gate Park, runaway bride Holly (Melissa Mitchell) stumbles upon a contingent of devil-may-care hippies. She has fled from her yuppie fiancé Curtis (Doug Carpenter) and the stifling control of her upper-class parents. Under the calming influence of elder commune member Mama (the splendid Victoria Strong) and her band of revelers, Holly's conviction to be true to herself grows stronger, creating a challenge for Curtis to win her back. The uptight gent must first learn to smell the flowers and let down some of his close-cropped hair.

Triple-threat talents Carpenter and Mitchell share a spectacular chemistry. Carpenter croons disarmingly in romantic ballads such as "This Guy's in Love With You" and gets to emote strongly in the powerful "Darkness, Darkness," in which drug-crazed Curtis reflects on social ills of the times, played out amid historic images in Lianne Arnold's smashing projection design. Mitchell masters her moments of emotional turmoil ("Valley of the Dolls" theme), as well as her exuberant duets with Carpenter.

Eric Anderson is charismatic as the ebullient River, who leads fellow tribe members in showstopping group numbers such as "Spinning Wheel," graced by Lee Martino's knockout choreography. As the sensible anchor for the group of rambunctious free spirits, Strong imparts inspirational messages in songs such as "Make Your Own Kind of Music."

Among other standout turns by actors playing the tribes members are Christine Horn's heart-wrenching lament "Pieces of My Heart," Michel J. Willett's joyful "Somebody to Love," and Callie Carson's deeply moving "One Tin Soldier," augmented by wonderful interpretive dance movements performed by Katrice Gavino. In other roles, Scott Kruse, James May, Frank Lawson, and Alyssa M. Simmons relish their moments to shine.

The spell becomes complete with sensationally evocative period designs by Michael Carnahan (sets), Jean-Yves Tessier (lighting), and Shon LeBlanc (costumes)—a cornucopia of swirling colors and psychedelic imagery. The stellar efforts of music directors Michael Borth and Michael Paternostro and their onstage band seal the deal.

Presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. Apr. 2–17. Thu.–Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m. (Also Sun., 7 p.m, Apr. 10.) (562) 856-1999, ext. 4.

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