Producer Dennis Law likes to call his theatrical extravaganzas "action-musicals." In the retired Denver surgeon's latest venture, Heartbeat, the emphasis is on action, with music a bit player.

This ambitious all-drumming, all-dancing show opened Wednesday for a brief run at the Buell Theatre, again displaying Law's "law" of theatrical spectaculars: Fill the stage with colorfully costumed Chinese performers, send them scurrying around in exciting balletic leaps and gymnastic flips - and don't worry about dramatic cohesiveness.

In 2004, Law and company produced Terracotta Warriors, which dabbled in Chinese history as it unfurled a parade of big production numbers. Same thing with Heartbeat, a generous serving of heavy-beat percussion and lightweight content.

Law provided a program note that described a "rhythmic journey through the many glorious dynasties of Chinese history." Indeed, the 25 segments were arranged chronologically through the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties - although it was never clear just how any of the segments were linked to that stretch of 1,300 years.

No matter. With a cast of more than 60 dancers - garbed in more than 500 eye-popping costumes of every hue that took plenty of liberties with traditional styles - plus a terrific nine-member orchestra, this was clearly intended as eye candy. Add a series of huge colorful set pieces, and there's no room to quibble about depth and pacing.

Dancers donned purples and lavenders in the First Act's concluding Drum Dance, succeeded by a fast-moving eight-man dragon. The women sometimes sported long, feathery headpieces and often displayed bare midriffs that might have shocked citizens of those ancient dynasties.

The men were garbed in all manner of brightly colored baggy pants and vests, sporting long hair and macho poses.

Athleticism was everywhere (apart from a handful of understated pas de deux). Martial arts appeared just in time to beef up any energy sags. Swords and spears, whips and chains served as weapons of choice, while no-hands cartwheels became the chief means of traversing the stage. The amazing virtuosic segments drew whoops of delight from the crowd.

The show ended with a Big Finish: eight segments curiously titled "The Future." Apparently, future Chinese will be spending their time doing unison tap dances in metallic pant suits.

Down in the Buell's pit, six percussionists banged on gongs, cymbals and a zillion drums, with occasional headache relief from a trio of instrumentalists.

Heartbeat

• Grade: B

• When and where: 8 p.m. today, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Buell Theatre

• Cost: $20 to $75

• Information: 303-893-4100

Marc Shulgold is the music and dance writer. Shulgoldm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5296