Ninety-seven percent of the musical “Passing Strange” at the Studio Theatre is fast, fun, colorful and imaginative. Even its introspective moments are lively. Only near the end does “Passing Strange” turn serious and even then, its seriousness is part of its mission.

The story of a Youth (Aaron Reeder) drifting through life in South Central Los Angeles, “Passing Strange” features book and lyrics by Stew, and music by Stew and Heidi Rodewald. There is a Narrator (the powerful Jahi A. Kearse) who sings and plays the guitar throughout, accompanied by a dynamic four-piece band, led by Christopher Youstra.