There's a special vibe to "New Wrinkles." And there's a special vibe to any review I write of this long-running senior musical revue now tap dancing into its 20th year at Fresno City College. (It plays through June 8; tickets are $15; info at 559-442-8221.)

Above all else, I love the idea of the show, which is open to performers 55 years of age and above. (The oldest cast member, John Schaeffer, celebrates his 90th birthday during the three-week run.) Strictly in terms of entertainment value, the performances in a show such as this can vary widely, ranging from seasoned show-biz pro to slightly halting amateur. But the most important thing to me is that some performances simply emanate joy.

Perhaps that's why I'm so drawn to a song such as "I Remember It Well," sung with beautiful style and feeling by Chuck Creighton and Carol Salrin. Or a dance such as "42nd Street," in which we're treated to the iconic image of the curtain raised just enough to reveal all those dancing feet. So what if those feet have a few years more on them than the ones you'd normally find on Broadway?

Director Fred Bologna, vocal coach Dede Nibler and choreographer Judy Jo Wilson bring together a lot of diverse elements into a well-packaged presentation. For this 20th season show, different acts from past shows -- some of them featuring the original performers -- are featured.

Just as I do in my reviews of children's theater, I don't dwell on specific negatives when it comes to "New Wrinkles." I focus instead on the performers who really strike my fancy in the show. The following list is by no means inclusive, but it includes my highlights from opening night:

• The stunning opening-number costumes.
• MaryLynne Baker singing a fine rendition of "Second Hand Rose."
• Suzanne Garduque, clad in a knockout red dress, giving a bit of grit to a version of "Hard Hearted Hannah."
• A husky, moving interpretation of "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey" by Merriam Read.
• An emotional "Colors of the Wind" sung by Vivian Telles.
• The "Helen Brown" joke. I don't want to give the punchline, but it still makes me giggle.
• Steve Pepper's accomplished "Mr. Cellophane" -- especially the way his eyes darted back and forth just before the final note.
• The superb group number "Raindrops," which included dancers cavorting in tai-dyed frocks and sequined fringes.
• Pepper and fellow dancers Sharyn Renna and Judy Jo Wilson, along with the New Wrinkles Women's Ensemble, in "Steam Heat."
• Wilson exploding in cartwheels in "Surrey with the Fringe on Top."
• Mary Jane Cavanagh-Fisch's touching rendition of "Maggie Blues," which had a particularly strong ending.
• Bill Booth's version of "If I Were a Rich Man" (especially his impression of the squeaking animals).
• Gabe Agao's glorious interpretation of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."
• Carol Salrin's wacky version of "Advice from Martha Stewart."
• A very fine rendition of "Ezeikiel Saw the Wheel" with the New Wrinkles Large Chorus and soloists Mac McIntosh and Kathleen Wilson.
• In a hysterical bit of slapstick, Agao and Emil Sereda in "Here's to All the Girls We Loved."
• And in a touching moment, Jim Irvine's "It Was a Very Good Year," helped catch the sense of vitality (and also loss) that goes hand in hand with this thing called life. No matter how old we are.

Now for some general comments:

• I really enjoyed some of the large-group choral numbers. Kudos to all the preparation that obviously went into these numbers. In fact, I think I'd rather see more large-chorus numbers than so many solos.
• I appreciate so much the fact that the show has live musical accompaniment.
• I mentioned before that I love "New Wrinkles," and I really do, but I'm not so sure that I love almost THREE HOURS of "New Wrinkles." As the second act ambled along, I practically felt like I was going to have to send out for provisions. I realize this is an anniversary celebration, but the creative team needs to find a way to streamline the show a little for next year.