On Theater:

Few musicals this side of “West Side Story” and “Grease” have celebrated teenagers quite so effectively as “Bye Bye Birdie,” which this year joins the former example as a certified antique, having first hit the Broadway boards in 1960.

Now enjoying a glorious revival at Costa Mesa’s Vanguard University, this satirical musical comedy — inspired by the drafting of Elvis Presley in 1958 — seems as fresh and lively as it did half a century ago, when the movie version introduced a young Swedish charmer to the world named Ann-Margret.

Director Vanda Eggington has assembled a robust ensemble, most of which comprises the teenage fan club for pop singer Conrad Birdie (the character name inspired by one of Elvis’ rivals, Conway Twitty). It’s the handful of adults, however, who ultimately shine most brightly.

Despite the story’s youthful exuberance, the central characters are a New York record producer Albert (Royen Kent) and his Latino assistant/fiancee Rose (Melody Prado), who’d rather have Albert quit showbiz and take up teaching English.

Kent is quite effective as the dorky producer, keeping his overbearing mother (Mary Lee Tandy McGlasson) at bay. But it’s Prado who walks off with this show with her glowing presence and powerful vocal cords.

Even though Janet Leigh will be remembered as Rosie in the movie version, it was Chita Rivera who created the role, which Prado serves up with style and sizzle.

As Kim MacAfee, a teen-age girl on the cusp of womanhood, chosen at random for Birdie’s “last kiss,” Michelle Peltz exudes vivacity and charm in a captivating performance.

Lucas Moore is strong as her high school boyfriend determined to stop the smooch, while Dustin Laemmien excels as the Elvis-like heartthrob Conrad Birdie who finds himself an object of adoration in the Ohio hamlet of Sweet Apple.

Tim Lavino is a howl as Kim’s put-upon father, though it’s Kelsi Roberts as his homemaker wife who draws the most laughs with her subtle comedic style. The director’s son, Paul Eggington Jr., has fun with the role of Kim’s little brother.

Another minor part that becomes major in this production is that of Kim’s best friend Ursula, which bubbles over in the hands of the ebullient Tivoli Hudson.

McGlasson, in the show’s most outrageous assignment, strives to unearth the bizarre comedy of her matronly character, succeeding only occasionally.

The director and her technical director husband, Paul Eggington, have come up with an all-purpose setting composed primarily of stacks of oversized 45 rpm records (remember them?), which eliminates the need for a home interior, town square or nightclub.

She’s also performed a bit of surgery on the score, eliminating the un-PC “Spanish Rose” and adding the movie’s title song after the curtain call.

There are enough memorable performances, and some terrific ensemble work, in the Vanguard production to elicit fond memories of bygone days among more seasoned playgoers.

Younger viewers may leave the theater asking, as they turn their cell phones back on, “You mean they actually used to draft people into the Army?”

If You Go

What: “Bye Bye Birdie”

Where: Vanguard University, 55 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

When: Closing performances at 8 tonight, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $14 and $17

Call: (714) 668-6145

Dustin Laemmien as the title character rocks out for adoring teen fans in Vanguard University’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie.”

TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot. His reviews appear Fridays.