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The Unsinkable Molly Brown. The Unsinkable Molly Brown is one of the Denver Center Theatre Company’s most ambitious productions to date: The company has spared neither pains nor expense in having Meredith Willson’s 1960 musical, which was fairly insipid, reworked and remounted. This iteration began life as part of the 2009 New Play Summit, when writer and lyricist Dick Scanlan, a three-time Tony winner, brought his revised version to the city. He improved the script; the issues discussed are much meatier than they were fifty years ago. And Molly Brown is no longer the usual musical comedy heroine who finds love and swaps her rags for riches. She doesn’t end up tamed by a strong guy and she isn’t cutely feisty. In fact, she’s out-and-out bossy, sometimes obnoxiously so. Also idealistic, self-interested, generous and very much in love with her husband, J.J. Brown, whom she helps to attain great riches. Kathleen Marshall, another multiple Tony winner, choreographs and directs. Beth Malone, who just happens to be a Denver native, plays Molly with tremendous energy, intelligence and verve, and Burke Moses is a strong J.J. The tech matches the performances for style and professionalism. Scanlan accomplished a musical shake-up, using songs from the original, finding others from Willson’s oeuvre — some unproduced until now — and changing lyrics where necessary, and Larry Hochman’s orchestration is sharp and exhilarating. There are several big, lively, toe-tapping numbers — although some of the other songs, in particular the love songs, are entirely forgettable. There are other flaws. The love between Molly and J.J. is at the center of the plot, yet the dialogue never feels quite convincing. But for sheer pleasure, this show — a lively swirl of color, music, skill, feeling and form — ranks high. Presented by the Denver Center Theatre Company through October 26, Stage Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 303-893-4100, www.denvercenter.org. Reviewed October 2.