Although it features vibrant song and dance numbers, Charles Mee's Queens Boulevard (the musical), the second production of Mee's season at Signature Theatre, is not a Broadway-style tuner. The actors often sing along to pre-recorded tracks or perform karaoke versions of songs. While this may bother some theatergoers, it is perfectly in keeping with the collage-like style that Mee has developed in other works. And ultimately -- and most importantly -- this heartwarming urban fairy tale is absolutely bursting with vitality.

Newlywed husband Vijay (Amir Arison) takes leave of his bride Shizuko (Michi Barall) on their wedding day in order to find for her a "flower of heaven" to match the one [...]