The first family of local theater is back. Three generations of Maltbys — and some of their spouses — collaborate on the third (and final?) "Rosie's" production at Hawai'i Pacific University. Written by HPU theater director Joyce Maltby and her husband Norm Boroughs, "Aloha Rosie's" picks up where "Rosie's Place," which debuted in 1993, and 1997's "A Night at Rosie's," left off.

Becky Maltby, Joyce's daughter, and her husband, Dennis Graue (who plays keyboards in Don Ho's show), contribute additional music, lyrics and arrangements. Melinda Maltby, Joyce's other daughter, and her husband, Andy Alvarado, appear in the cast, as do Becky and her son, Mickey Graue. You'll also see other familiar faces and characters — an 'ohana that has grown around the "Rosie's" cycle.

If you missed the previous shows, you need to know that Rosie is the proprietor of a Texas honky-tonk frequented by colorful regulars, each of whom get to sing a song or two.

But there's just enough story line to keep it from becoming a total open-mike night at "Hee Haw." Rosie has finally taken her longtime beau Johnny as her fourth husband, and they've sold the joint for a huge profit after learning that it sits on a large deposit of natural gas. Rosie's is closing, and son Dan and his old flame Jenny have interrupted their now separate lives to return for the occasion.

Just when everybody is ready to say their last goodbyes, Rosie announces that they've bought a new place in Hawai'i and is footing the bill for all the regulars to take a trip to paradise. That opens up a second act with more songs.

The show's charm comes from its warmth and naivete. Who wouldn't like to hang out in a place where everybody knows your name?

There are enough good actors and singers to add a bit of depth to the material and some of the songs are promising in terms of mood and characterization. "You Popped the Question" is a sweet waltz number for Shari Lynn — new to the part of Rosie — and Jim Tharp, back for his third time as Johnny. Glenn Cannon reprises his earlier role as Nathan, the Devil; and Kalani Brady is his nemesis "the Rev. Billy Sinfree."

The current version of "Rosie's" plays a lot like both of its predecessors — low on continuity and stuffed like overpacked luggage.

So if you don't mind a nearly three-hour, meandering production and a bit of head-scratching about how things fall together, you'll probably give in to the show's inevitable warmth.