Mark my words: in time, Alan Bryce's tenure as artistic director of Centerstage will be viewed in the regional, if not national, theatrical world as a golden age of creative adventure.

Since early 2004, the 57-year-old London-raised Scotsman has lead "South Puget Sound's Resident Professional Theater" troupe to new heights, and high notes, particularly with their current production, Nicholas Nickleby. Nickleby opened last weekend and runs through May 28 at the Knutzen Family Theatre at Dumas Bay.

Bryce and his company of exceptionally talented players have taken a comic novel by Charles Dickens, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and transformed it into a thoroughly entertaining musical. Nickleby, Dickens' third novel, was originally published in England as a serial during 1838 -1839, and its structure and plot lends itself well to musical theater. Bryce's book, along with music by Eyvind Kang and lyrics by Amy Engelhardt, transforms the classic into something new and fresh.

During a preview performance last week, the Centerstage company coalesced with flawless harmonizing. Musical numbers such as 'Poverty', 'Steepled in Gore' and 'Family Matters' brought out the best in the ensemble, the actors glittered as soon as their words went from spoken to sung. The on-stage, yet masked, orchestra: Mark Rabe on piano, Sally Strohm on cello and Jonathan Graber on violin provided stellar accompaniment.

Each member of the cast was remarkable, it's difficult to single out individuals for kudos, although Bradetta Vines's Mrs. Squeers was a squalid joy and Jon Lutyens' Nicolas was suitably fervent, if not a bit over abundantly so. It's impossible not to get caught up in his earnest zeal.

The younger members of the cast played their roles with humor and professionalism, with nary a misstep.

Kudos also go to the director, Cynthia White, whose job could not have been easy, with 23 cast members to direct and a set budget of $1000. The set Craig Wollam came up with is ingenious in its simplicity and mutability.

The technical crew are also top professionals, as the lighting cues were numerous and skillfully executed. Post-show, I was astounded to learn that the stage manager is a high school senior from Puyallup, Grete Bergland. Judging from this production, Bergland will be stage-managing in Manhattan before she's 23!

Nicholas Nickleby: The Musical, a production of Centerstage, Inc. runs through May 28. Call (253) 661-1444 for more information or see www.centerstagetheatre.com.