The season-opening production of "On the Air" is an absolute delight, often hilarious and occasionally moving.

It also proves to be such a wonderful and loving tribute to 1940s entertainment that audiences may leave the theater with previously unconsidered respect for their radios.

The setting is a 1940s radio station where a live variety show called "On the Air" is produced, probably on a weekly basis.

Six employees have been hired as on-air talent, acting out the many radio serials, singing the occasional song, promoting the war effort and, of course, also performing all those nifty jingles and commercials for such products as Springtime Cigarettes.

Jim Watkins / Staff Nick Diamond (portrayed by John Davis) is introduced to the mysterious Monique (Robin Grimes) before her sudden disappearance in radio serial "Nick Diamond Private Eye."

Actors also bring their personal hopes, problems and jealousies to the workplace, a factor which never pays the humorous dividends that one expects. Those not focusing on the performers at center stage can occasionally spot loving glances or full-fledged arguments taking place silently in the shadows.

The buildup works, but there's no real comic payoff.

Still, the figurative tour through the world of live radio will please all theatergoers.

The show does includes a couple uncomfortable moments. But director Richard Privitt is to be commended for honestly re-creating an era, complete with any politically incorrect moments.

Note the use of white actors using over-the-top accents when playing the stereotypical roles of a black maid and a Japanese enemy.

Rest assured the emphasis is on hilarity and music. The pacing is lightning quick, with a skit for Stadium Girl lipstick leading into John Davis playing the crooner while singing "Heaven" and then staying on stage for the lead role in "Nick Diamond, Private Eye."

Davis changes accents and inflections throughout; in fact, he and talented Robin Grimes share comic chemistry in more than one serial.

The real theater audience becomes so involved with the serial story lines that audible groans mix with chuckles when it becomes apparent that endings won't be provided.

Instead, they're told, "Tune in next week, when ..."

One of the best is a comically creepy horror serial called "Turn Your Lights Out."

Grimes and the other two female cast members, Karen Dolter and Tamara Speer, create an admirable harmonic force together and, happily, each is given opportunities to shine in the spotlight.

Christopher Freyburger earns laughs even without dialogue, carrying his role as a dog a bit too far and making Davis wonder what's going through his fellow actor's mind. And Ty Walker obviously is having fun, whether introducing material as the show's announcer or playing such big-voiced roles as Captain Dynamo.

Privitt mentioned that the play's three authors agreed to a hands-on approach, helping the community theater find lost music and conquer sound effects problems.

A trio of musicians are at the rear of the stage, led by pianist Debbie Russell. At stage right, Diana Adair provides hilarious, mute support as the apathetic sound effects technician who wants to be left alone.

Privitt deserves kudos not only for thoughtful casting, but for keeping actors involved when not at the microphone. One even chomps on a sandwich while waiting for his cue.

Each song is a highlight.

Audiences will be knocked out by Dolter's torch number, "No Man's Land." Tamara Speer's "You Know Where I'll Be" will leave some thinking of other men in other wars, and Grimes pulls out all the stops for "Broadway."

Production numbers range from a Carmen Miranda-type tune to the patriotic "We're Making Do," with lyrics that are funny and, at the same time, provide a history lesson.

The community theater's presentation of "On the Air" is so much fun that one may temporarily wonder why anyone wanted to replace live radio. Where else could one hear a commercial sung with a chorus of "Bye, bye, B.O."?