It may be the ultimate backstage "let's put on a show" musical.

"It's basically two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical," says William Sanders, who is directing and choreographing "[title of show]" in what is not only its Lehigh Valley but its Pennsylvania debut through March 1 at Civic Theatre of Allentown where he's artistic director.

It's a one-act musical with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and a book by Hunter Bell about their entry in the New York Musical Theatre Festival. There was a blank space on the entry form that stated "[title of show]," hence the show's title.

"They basically wrote what's happening to them as it was happening to them," Sanders says.

In a case of "art imitates life," the show "[title of show]"was accepted into the New York Musical Theatre Festival, where Bowen and Bell starred in the premiere in September 2004. It ran off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre and on Broadway in 2006 at the Lyceum Theatre, closing in 2008.

"[title of show]" received several Obie Awards, given for off-Broadway productions, including for its writers-stars and its director. Bell was nominated for a musical book Tony Award.

"[title of show]" chronicles the creation of the show by characters named Jeff (Connor Harrison in the Civic production) and Hunter (William Morris), who are helped by their actress friends, Heidi (Kate Pistone) and Susan (Mae Cutrona); the show's entry in the theater festival, and the creative process prior to the show's premiere.

At Civic, Will Morris is technical director. Set design is by Marilyn Loose. Sound design is by Helena Confer. Wig and hair design is by Kim Danish. Emily Heller is production stage manager. Gabrielle Rhoads is assistant stage manager.

The audience is given the ultimate insider's look at the creative process in the off-beat R-rated (mostly for language) musical comedy.

Civic's opening of "[title of show]" was moved up two weeks to Valentine's Day weekend to accommodate long-time Civic music director and pianist, Justin Brehm, who moved to Connecticut in August 2014. He had an opening in his schedule during what became the show's run.

Brehm recorded the music tracks for rehearsals, was there for rehearsals the Sunday before the opening and is there during the show's run.

Sanders reasons "[title of show]" is having its statewide premiere at Civic because it's not presented that often.

"It's not the most well-known musical, which most companies are looking for.

"It's tricky because there's a lot of language and adult situations, which is something that's addressed in the script. They talk about the language.

"It's theater people being theater people, which is very true to syntax. It's never gratuitous and it's never mean-spirited. It's true to life."

Sanders saw the New York City production of "[title of show]."

"It was one of the most moving theater experiences I've ever had on Broadway.

"It's just a really great peek into the creative mind and what people go through. And it's also one of the funniest theater pieces, especially if you've done any kind of theater.

"It's clearly exactly what they were experiencing as they were experiencing it. It's not just a construct.

"It's really fascinating because you see the changes that they made when they were moving from off-Broadway to Broadway.

"I really encourage theater people to see this. People that have an open mind would really enjoy it and are interested in theater that's not necessarily mainstream, and the gay community, too, because the lead characters are gay."

Sanders says "[title of show]"'s minimalist set appeals to him.

"The whole concept is that we'll be fine with a piano and four chairs, which is fine with me.

"I'm a minimalist because I believe theater should be a transformational experience. If you're going to be realistic, you might as well go to a movie. Part of the theater experience is the journey of the audience going along on it with the actors."

Sanders says "[title of show]"'s music should appeal to the musical-theatergoer.

"It's a traditional Broadway score. One of the last songs is one of the most evocative ballads about wanting to be in this business that I've heard. It's called 'A Way Back To Then.'

"It runs the gamut of Broadway scores. And I think the music is really beautiful and the lyrics are really smart."

Sanders says that producing a show such as "[title of show]" at Civic is a privilege.

"Being able to at least one time a year to do something that hasn't been done around here is really important to me. It's something that you're not going to see."

And, says Sanders, you can't always tell what's going to appeal to audiences." At Civic, "Young Frankenstein" sold very well. "Spring Awakening" didn't sell that well.

"That's the trickiest thing about theater. It's all conjecture," Sanders says. "You can count on 'Christmas Carol' and that's about it."

Tickets: Civic Theatre Box Office, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown; CivicTheatre.com, 610-432-8943