A few months ago at the Academy Awards, Hugh Jackman announced to the world that the musical is back. In making his case, he cites to Exhibit A, the worldwide success of Mamma Mia. He can now point to Exhibit B, last Sunday’s musical-studded Tony award show. I’m not sure how far down the list it would be, but another piece of evidence on Mr. Jackman’s side might be Big, The Musical, the newest production of the West Coast Ensemble now playing at the El Centro Theatre. It is a high-spirited, highly entertaining and professionally produced production that in many respects surpasses in poignancy the movie on which it was based.

Much like its main character, a boy whose wish to become big is miraculously granted but soon discovers the advantage of staying small, Big enjoyed box office success on the big screen but suffered a disappointing short run on Broadway. Playwright John Weidman, lyricist Richard Maltby and composer David Shire proceeded to make significant rewrites for the touring production, and Big has now apparently found its calling on the small stage. I believe it’s safe to say the current production would do these gentlemen proud.

The production gets off to a rollicking start with the opening number “Can’t Wait,” where the parents lament the troubles of raising a teenager. The first big laugh of the night occurs when the parents, in exasperation, confiscate their childrens’ cell phones, and the children in turn shrug and, in unison, proceed to pull spare ones out of their pockets.

Every musical should have a melody that you whistle on your way out, and for Big that would be the simple yet haunting ballad “Stars” sung between the two leads, Will Collyer as Josh (aka Tom Hanks) and Darrin Revitz as Susan (Elizabeth Perkins). The other musical numbers are enjoyable, although not overwhelmingly memorable, fare.

There are also numerous jokes made at the expense of the fourth wall, the sort of attention to detail that so often separates the really good from the merely adequate. For example, when villain Paul Seymour (played by Stephen Vendette) enters in the middle of a dance number, he looks quizzically at the audience, then shrugs and joins the frolic. And when Mr. MacMillian (played by Larry Lederman) walks in just as a production number is ending, he stops momentarily to correct the pose of a cast member.

And how about the famous piano scene in the toy store? The producers must know that audiences are anticipating it from the opening curtain. After all, it was the most memorable scene (and the only musical number) from the movie, immortalized by the unforgettable performance of Robert Loggia. In addition, a giant piano is prominently displayed both on the artwork for the play and on the set throughout the performance. Even with all these high expectations, I can say with reasonable certainty that the audience is not disappointed. (Although I would have preferred a subtler transition, as in the movie, where Josh first stumbles upon and then fiddles with the oversized instrument before jumping into a full-fledged duet with Mr. MacMillian.)

There are virtually no weak links in the cast, from the leads all the way to the supporting players. Collyer seems born to play “big” Josh, with his youthful looks and disarming innocence. Revitz has a gorgeous voice and generates one of the biggest laughs of the night when she struggles to remember where she was in her solo before she was so rudely interrupted. Johanna Kent and Frank Romeo shine in bit parts. And the ensemble of kids is wonderful, particularly Sterling Beaumon, who plays Josh’s best friend Billy and performs a hilarious suburban white boy rap to open Act II.

Richard Israel’s direction is nearly flawless and the set design of Stephen Gifford is clean and visually appealing. It also puts the musical director (Daniel Thomas) front and center, an interesting maneuver, allowing him to be part of the action.

Whether or not Mr. Jackman proves to be correct in his prognostication, audiences are sure to enjoy assessing the evidence along the way.

Big is performed Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm through July 26, 2009.

The El Centro Theater is located at 800 N. El Centro Ave. in Hollywood (one block east of Vine between Melrose and Santa Monica).

Ticket prices: $35.00, $30.00 for Seniors/Students/Union, $20.00 for groups over 10 and all kids under 18.

Reservations online at www.tix.com or by phone at (323) 460-4443