"Plaid Tidings" proves that sequels don't have to do something new; they can be wildly successful by simply imitating the original. In fact, this show by Stuart Ross doesn't even try to distance itself from its predecessor, "Forever Plaid"; it's subtitled "A Special Holiday Edition."

"Forever Plaid" has delighted Hono-lulu audiences with a couple of productions since its off-Broadway debut in 1990, the latest also at Manoa Valley Theatre. The current show is a warm reprise, all decked out for the holidays.

It's a concept piece with no real plot, built around the music of popular 1950's quartets such as The Four Freshmen and The Four Aces. The setup is that "The Plaids" were all killed in a 1964 car crash while on their way to a booking. Because they never got to sing, they are allowed to return to Earth for one last performance.

"Plaid Tidings" follows that same route by surprising the boys with another bite at the apple. This time, however, it's the holiday season and the group is challenged to find meaning in their expectation to sing Christmas songs.

The first act is a mixture of old favorites ("Strangers in Paradise," "Sh-Boom," "Mambo Italiano") with a mixture of Christmas music as the quartet both approaches and avoids its task.

Both Andrew Sakaguchi (director and choreographer) and Melina Lillios (musical director) are alumni of "Forever Plaid," and they punch out "Plaid Tidings" with the experience of skilled professionals. Sakaguchi also reprises the role of Smudge and joins a young cast (two 16-year-olds and a college student) that is remarkably poised and talented. Although he's the senior man in the group, Sakaguchi blends easily into the ensemble.

The resulting quartet absolutely charms its audience. Not only are they musically on target — singing close harmony with gusto that will bring goose bumps to anyone old enough to remember the thrill of "Perfidia" — they can do comedy and create character.

Much of their appeal lies in their innocence and vulnerability. They were hopeful and untested youngsters in 1964, so they will always be short on confidence and pining for a big break. They are physically flawed by nosebleeds, asthma, and nearly debilitating stage fright, and emotionally looking for the security of a 1960 television Christmas special that could bring a family together for a while and "keep them from yelling at each other."

While the ensemble is paramount, each member gets to sing leads and create a persona.

Aaron Komo (Sparky) is the romantic, Mike Dupre (Jinx) is the neurotic, and Sean Jones (Francis) is the angry young man gone indignant over the delayed recognition the other reindeer offer to Rudolph ("It's too late!). Sakaguchi gets a dance number that lets him exercise the Gene Kelly steps from "Singing in the Rain."

The boys sing the music straight and in parody. "Christmas Calypso" contains the happy audience-participation lyric, "Matilda, she take me money and go Christmas shopping." They sing live back-up to a tape of Perry Como and replicate "The Ed Sullivan Show" in just over three minutes.

And they do it all on Stephen Clear's stunning set of white steps framed in a juke box proscenium against a starry sky backdrop.

Ultimately, they find their purpose in "making people cozy" and getting them "all warm and runny." We bid them goodbye with genuine regret. But there is hope. How about a Valentine's Day reunion, or a Fourth of July special?

Don't wait for that. See "Plaid Tidings" now. The show has been extended into December.

Joseph T. Rozmiarek has reviewed theater performances in Hawai'i since 1973.