"Best of both": Miley in concert, and no $2,000 tickets

As an adult sitting through the 3-D Hannah Montana concert film, it's impossible not to be overwhelmed — but not by the piercing screech of thousands of frantic 9-year-olds, the crisp digital imagery or the catchiness of the Disney star's peppy tunes.

Rather, the sensation is one of longing: You wish desperately for Miley Cyrus — the singing, dancing, songwriting, trend-setting dynamo — to avoid turning into Britney Spears.

She's insanely likable and talented, with poise and presence beyond her years. It's all out there in front of her, and watching the 15-year-old on stage and behind the scenes, you just pray that she'll turn out all right. (In theory, having her mom and dad, the formerly mulleted Billy Ray Cyrus, around at all times provides some structure and guidance.)

Of course, the tween girls for whom "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert" was intended won't be thinking about this. They'll just be giddy to feel so close to their idol, especially since many of them probably never had a chance to see her live on tour (she was at KeyArena last October), with tickets selling out in scant minutes and scalpers jacking up the prices.

With the 3-D effects, it feels as if Cyrus is walking right up to you on the catwalk, her perky entourage of backup dancers in tow. One trick — in which she bounces a drumstick on the floor and sends it flying toward the camera — might just make you flinch.

Little girls will be happy to hear the "Hannah Montana" star perform their favorite songs and thrill to catch a peek of the real Miley backstage — though naturally, the moments are carefully chosen to maintain her well-crafted wholesome image. It's just more product, and not exactly a warts-and-all depiction.

But certainly the show is the thing, and Cyrus — both as herself and as her blond-tressed, television alter ego — runs through songs including "We Got the Party," "Nobody's Perfect" and, of course, "The Best of Both Worlds." The Jonas Brothers (who will be at the Everett Events Center on Tuesday, see Ticket story on Page 4) come out for a few songs, too.

And if you're really paying attention, you can catch the moment when Cyrus dashes offstage and is replaced briefly by a body double to buy time for a wardrobe change — which caused a tizzy on the Internet but was a total nonstory.