Forget everything you thought you knew about High Fidelity.

We’ve had Nick Hornby’s 1995 book, a 2000 film starring John Cusak, and even an ill-fated Broadway musical in 2006. But the Canadian premiere of High Fidelity: A Musical about Life, Love and Mix Tapes at Hart House Theatre this week is yet another fresh take - one sure to be a smash hit with Toronto’s musical theatre and comedy crowds.

The tale of love-lorn record store owner Rob Gordon is now almost a classic. The play aims to convey a snapshot of a culture more fleeting now than it was at first telling 15 years ago – that of the indie music vinyl shop.

Ironically, the music snobs in the story - who abhor John Tesh and worship the Sex Pistols - likely wouldn’t attend a musical theatre performance if you paid them to. But once you digest this paradox and sit back to enjoy the show, the upbeat, edgy, and cheesy performance becomes a memorable theatre experience in its very own right.

“We’re doing our own thing,” says leading actor David Light. “But it’s the same story and the same feel.”

This is only half true – same story, yes; same feel, not by a long shot.

It’s hard to maintain the wry wit that characterized the book and film when the 21-year-old lead actor is blonde, buff, and almost aggressively enthusiastic. His style is closer pop idol than rock-and-roll cynic.

Notably, Saskatchewan native Light made his big break on a CBC reality TV show as the second-place contender for the 2007 season of Triple Sensation. He moved to Toronto shortly afterwards.

Though the young actor already has a long list of theatre credits to his name - including Jerry Springer’s Rock Opera at Hart House last January, Jesus Christ Superstar and Guys and Dolls - Light admits he’s a stronger singer and dancer than an actor.

It shows.

Whether Rob Gordon was happy or sad, singing in agreement or singing in dissent, Light was shouting and gesticulating at 150 per cent, all furrowed brow and ringing hands, a boy-band divo performance all night long. But the intensity could be accounted for by opening-night enthusiasm, and his performance may mellow as things get rolling.

As far as picking up tips about melding acting and singing, Light finds good company in the show’s 18-person cast. His female co-star, 25-year-old Jamie Arfin, is a veteran of the Hart House Theatre. Performing every year during her U of T undergraduate studies in Theatre and English, Arfin is a spunky comedy-lover. She’s hoping to break into Toronto’s sketch comedy scene with the launch of a three-performer troupe following the show’s run.

Her goal for this show, as the protagonist’s girlfriend Laura, was to bring life to a character inherently a little plain.

“The Laura in the movie wasn’t so memorable for me,” Arfin said.

Arfin has the experience to meet the challenge, with Hart House roles in Chorus Line and Nine to her credit. While she performed well, this gorgeous leading lady is doomed to outshine her character. The most memorable characteristic of her performance is that she spent most of the time on stage in a miniskirt (except when she was in her underwear.)

Thus, the character and comedy in the show are mostly left to the large supporting cast, with flawless performances from Carl Swanson as Dick, Jason Zinger as Ian and Brian Russell as Barry really stealing the show.

The music is also fantastic. A completely original score by Tom Kitt and Amanda Green runs the gambit of genres, with songs that evoke Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Joss Stone and Neil Young. The whole gang, with the support of a six-person band and Lily Ling on the keys, pulls off a huge but precise sound song after song. The masterfully choreographed “Conflict Resolution” in the second act even features some pistol-poppin’ gangsta-rap, and is a definite highlight to watch for.

This play is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at Hart House, and redeem the show’s reputation from the ten-day disaster run in New York. Hart House is one of the city’s most well-established amateur venues, drawing a loyal crowd of alumni, students, and local theatre buffs. With tickets at $25 a pop, $15 for students and seniors, the bottom line is quality entertainment at a good price, which any sensible Torontonian can appreciate.

So if you are in the market for a night of easy laughs and some memorable tribute performances, get out and see the latest gang at Hart House. The show will has ten remaining performances, including 8 p.m. tonight, and runs Wednesday through Saturday until Jan. 30. For tickets call the U of Tix Box office at 416-978-8849, or show up a little early to get your tickets at the door.