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NORTON -What do you do if you're a young woman from Allentown, Pa. who is a looker, a chirper and a hoofer? Don't know what a chirper and a hoofer are? Travel to "42nd Street," now conveniently located at Wheaton College, and you'll be treated to a thoroughly enjoyable education in musical theater.

Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes, the plot focuses on the efforts of the notorious Great White Way director, Julian Marsh, to produce a successful stage production, named "Pretty Lady," at the height of the Great Depression. It's a show within a show, giving the audience a peek into the goings on in theater before the curtain rises on opening night.

Winner of 2001's best musical revival, with book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin and music by Harry Warren, "42nd Street" is a whirlwind of song, dazzling choreography and fun characters, when done right. And judging by the near-packed theater that rose to its feet during curtain call, Norton Community Theatre, formerly known as the Norton Singers, does it right!

As the tough as nails Julian Marsh, Kevin Mischley commands the stage. His Julian is strong, tenacious, exhausting, demandingall the things a director must be in order to whip actors into shape for opening night. Mischley's musical numbers in Act II, "Lullaby of Broadway" and "42nd Street," are worth the price of admission alone. His voice is strong and clear and is complemented, yet never overpowered, by the well trained orchestra, led by Dr. Anthony-Alexander Torelli.

As Maggie Jones, Louise Tetreault turns in a strong performance, seasoned by well-timed one liners and sultry vocals. She is also the winner of the best costume of the night: a bodacious feathered robe with matching heeled slippers, thanks to the extremely talented Amanda Downing Carney, in costume design. Janet Ferreri stars as Dorothy Brock, the "Diva" of the production of "Pretty Lady." Ferreri nails, with heart and soul, the spirit of the "past her prime" stage star. Her characterization of Brock, along with her incredible singing talent, is impressive. I especially liked her in the scene preceding the number "About a Quarter to Nine," and the number itself.

As the wide-eyed ingenue Peggy Sawyer, Atia DeRosa-Gravely is wonderfully cast. A little slip of a thing, Gravely quite nicely captures the character's innocence and persistence. Again, I especially liked her scene with Ferreri preceding the number "About a Quarter to Nine," and the number itself. Very well done!

As Billy Lawlor, "Pretty Lady's" tenor, and Peggy's love interest, Lennie Machado is sheer joy to watch and listen to. The man can sing and dance like nobody's business. Don't take your eyes off him when he's dancing, or you'll miss some very impressive moves, expertly choreographed by Judee Bottomley.

There are nearly 40 cast members in this show, so it's impossible to name them all in a review, but special recognition goes out to Michaela Murphy as the irrepressible Anytime Annie, and Daniel Gravely as the ever patient Andy Lee.

Expertly directed by Greg Geer on an ever-changing set designed by Pete Molitor, "42nd Street" is an enjoyable night of theater.

THE NORTON COMMUNITY THEATRE production of "42nd Street" runs through this weekend at Wheaton College's Weber Theater. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. (nortonsingers.com, 508-457-5023)