‘Journey’ an Entertaining Ride--With a Twist : Stage: Great American Children’s Theatre offers a version of Jules Verne’s classic that’s a hit with youngsters.

“A journey to the center of the Earth? Why, people are more likely to send a man to the moon!” With that exclamation of 19th-Century disbelief, the Great American Children’s Theatre of Wisconsin’s production of Jules Verne’s classic fantasy “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is truly under way at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills.

The well-produced show isn’t quite the way Verne wrote it--it carries a “women are as good as men” theme--but for the nearly 1,900 young schoolchildren who filled the theater on Tuesday, it was unquestionably a journey worth taking.

Not even the lobby’s powerful aroma of soggy carpet, a souvenir of the recent rainstorm, could dampen the enthusiasm. Peak approval, however, was reserved for the sea monster attack . . . and for the marriage proposal scene. (Romantics come in all sizes.)

In Brett Reynolds’ youth-oriented adaptation, those undertaking the subterranean adventure are eccentric Professor Hardwigg (Drew Brhel), his pet mouse Aristotle, assistant Henry (Patrick Lawlor), Icelander guide Hans (Doug Zschiegner) and young Ernst, who is really the Professor’s niece Gretchen (Candace Taylor).

Gretchen is in disguise because she has been told she can’t go because “it’s too dangerous for a girl.” By the time the travelers return to the Earth’s surface, she is given the accolade that she has proven to be “as worthy as any man,” while timid Henry has learned to be brave.

The adventure is the thing, however, and director Leslie Reidel and the adult cast keep things moving, while the show’s designers set the mood. (Over-miking was a problem on Tuesday, however.)

Allen H. Jones’ set pieces and painted backdrops suggest cliffs and caverns, giant mushrooms and an underground ocean. Costumes by Howard Tsvi Kaplan evoke the story’s bygone era, while Tom Kochan’s music and Spencer Mosse’s lights--bright, dim, red for danger--emphasize the action.

The grinning dinosaur and hungry sea monster designed by Ed Breed and operated by Zschiegner) are particular favorites, of course.

Aimed at children on the young side, this isn’t for those looking for the real “Journey,” but it’s an entertaining start and might even inspire someone to pick up the book one day.

“Journey to the Center of the Earth,” Wilshire Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.; Saturday, 1 and 3 p.m.; Feb. 21, 3 and 5 p.m., through Feb. 2 1. $6-$16. Also at Copley Symphony H a ll in San Diego, March 9-12, 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.; (800) 852-9772.