There are a few good reasons to see writer David Cerda's funny musical stage musical of the 1972 film classic "The Poseidon Adventure."

If you recall shedding tears while watching the original movie as a struggling group of all-star cast survivors try to make their way through an upside down, sinking ocean liner, fear not with Cerda's twisted spin.

Cerda, a 1979 graduate of Hammond High School who now lives in Chicago, is the mastermind of clever play parodies in the Windy City.

And his latest re-launched "Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical" is better than ever.

I counted a cast of 23 talents on stage at the Chopin Theatre when I saw the show Saturday night.

What makes this production so fun and enjoyable is how Cerda and his crew at the Hell In A Handbag company use lots of energy and imagination to bring to life some of the most larger-than-life screen characters to ever climb a Christmas tree.

(In case you've forgotten, the story unfolds on New Year's Eve and the guests climb up a large, tinsel Christmas tree to begin their escape from rising waters in the ship's dining room).

The original film stars Ernest Borgnine, 92 ( who's in Chicago this month for a book signing), along with an all-star cast of other greats such as Stella Stevens, Gene Hackman, Pamela Sue Martin and late greats Red Buttons, Shelley Winters and Jack Albertson.

Cerda has gathered many of his original actors and actresses who played these same roles the first time he launched the show eight years ago.

And for those new names he's added into the group, the chemistry is stellar and the comedy timing, unmatched.

Standout performances include Trista Smith as the Stevens' character Linda Rogo, the reformed prostitute with a brassy attitude who enjoys a few jabs and one-liners along the way.

Smith sings a musical salute to the tree-climbing scene that has her character forced to scale the faux evergreen in nothing but her hubby's tuxedo shirt and her panties. So, naturally, her song is called "Just Panties." Belted out cabaret-style, the wide-eyed Smith delivers every line with gusto.

Michael Hampton, as the Ernest Borgnine character Lt. Mike Rogo, has every inflection and gruff trait captured, resurrecting the Oscar winner's performance in the original film and adding a dash of fresh humor to the tone.

And as for the lead role of Rev. Scott aka Gene Hackman, Derek Czaplewski had boundless talent, a great comedic sense and an ideal singing voice.

Be warned that many of Cerda's songs from this show are so well done and snappy, audiences may find a desire to sing them well after leaving the theater. Or better yet, purchase the soundtrack to drown in fun tunes such as "Bachelor Haberdasher," "Air Pockets" and "In The Water, I'm A Very Skinny Lady."

I must warn the show does go a bit long, about 2-1/2 hours, including one intermission.

And though I like that the story begins with a group of friends gathering to enjoy a viewing party of the original film, this latest version by Cerda goes back and forth between telling the film parody and revisiting the friends as they ponder and discuss the movie. At times, they go a little overboard, at least in my opinion.

"Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical," runs through July 26 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago and is being directed by Porchlight Theatre and Emerald City Artistic Associate Matthew Gunnels.

Tickets are $20 to $25 and available at Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006. FYI: handbagproductions.org or (312) 409-4357.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.

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