TV REVIEW : Mousketeers Sing Out Again in Lively, 5-Day-a-Week Show

M-I-C . . . K-E-Y. . . . Yep, Mousketeers, an all-new, five-day-a-week “Mickey Mouse Club” hits the tube today on the Disney Channel at 5:30 p.m.

No, you won’t find Annette, “Spin and Marty” serials, or mouse beanies--this is 1989, after all, not 1955. (There was another “new” Mickey Mouse Club, back in 1977, which ran two seasons.)

Instead, you’ll get the song and a fast-paced, imaginative gem of a show that, for all its innovative graphics, rock music and hi-tech feel, has a surprisingly familiar, cozy atmosphere--the good old days brought up to date.

The accent is on individuality--the rainbow of self-assured, talented Mousketeers, ages 11 to 14, come in little and big sizes, dress in kicky kid chic and strut their stuff in bouncily choreographed numbers, comic sketches and guest interviews in front of a live audience.

Instead of the avuncular Jimmie Dodd of the ‘50s show, two adult hosts share the spotlight and a warm rapport with their young co-stars: comedian Fred Newman and a lovely, big-sisterly actress named Mowava Pryor.

There are filmed segments: a Mousketeer music video; a visit with Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser; the Donald Duck Squawk Box, where kids air pet peeves, and a serial, “Teen Angel,” about a teen misfit and his ‘50s guardian angel. And there are live (on tape) segments, such as a guest appearance by the Boys Club rock duo and a “Fill In the Mouse” word game.

Through it all, the Mousketeers seem to be having such a good time, it’s contagious.

Mickey can be proud.