Gosh, it's fun!

Director Eric Johnson and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth cast have hit on the right potion to create some magic with "Go, Dog. Go!" This version of the children's picture book by P.D. Eastman bursts onto the Tenney Theatre stage and will delight everyone from kids to curmudgeons.

Adapted into a vaudeville-type musical by Allison Gregory and Steven Dietz, the show features lots of action and color, howling dogs and syncopated piano accompaniment.

A contemporary of Dr. Seuss, Eastman uses only 516 words to create a fascinating world. In its text form, "Go, Dog. Go!" builds excitement by beginning with a single word, then repeating it to shape new concepts into action.

"Dog" becomes "Big Dog" and "Little Dog."

A delightful cadence results that creates its own life and underlying poetic rhythm.

Colors are introduced as "Red Dog" and "Blue Dog," etc. (There has been some debate about a possible subliminal message supporting multiculturalism, but that only seems to spoil the fun.)

Numbers and movement are added. "Two dogs going out" and "Three dogs coming in."

The simple text gives freewheeling opportunity for the staging to introduce things that move — roller skates, bicycles, skateboards, baby carriages, remote-controlled toy cars and even luggage on wheels.

Johnson and the acting company take full advantage with a lighthearted approach that feels instinctive, impromptu and thoroughly charming. The clearly articulated pantomimes may be the best part.

MC Dog (Jonathan Clarke Sypert) executes a delightful prologue in which he discovers his dog identity. A gang of carpenters whacks away at construction — both right side up and upside down — then exchanges lunch box sandwiches via careful choreography.

A boatload of howling dogs makes a wonderful choir, and the final party scene with tap shoes and balloons wraps it all up into a big finale.

Highly developed verbal skills aren't required to enjoy the production, so bring your youngest little ones with confidence.

And, as for adults, what's not to like?

Besides, there are other valuable life lessons to be learned. When a woman asks, "Do you like my hat?" the answer should always be, "Yes."