"[title of show]" is brilliantly simple and mind-bogglingly complex. This musical-comedy has enough humor and insight for 10 shows. It's not only a must-see, it's a multiple-see.

"[title of show]," continuing through March 1 at Civic Theatre of Allentown, skewers the Great White Way, but saves its best barbs for those who are Broadway-bound. It's the ultimate "let's put on a show" show.

On the way to exploiting its funny premise,"[title of show]" traveled from off-Broadway to Broadway. The musical's genesis and that journey is the concept for the show.

You've heard of the concept of a show within a show, or a film within a film. "[title of show]" is a show without a show. In other words, putting on a show is the show. It's theater stripped to the bare essentials. Call it Zen Theater.

Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director Williams Sanders knows the territory and pushes the play's insider send-ups, the wink-wink, nod-nod asides, and the corny jokes to the edge. He pulls the actors back just enough before they go over the ledge.

The plot has to do with the writing and producing of a one-act musical by Jeff (Connor Harrison) and Hunter (Will Morris). They bounce their ideas off actress friends, Heidi (Kate Pistone) and Susan (Mae Cutrona).

When they decide to enter the New York Musical Theatre Festival, there's a blank space on the entry form that states "[title of show]." They decide that's the title of their show: "[title of show]."

Music and lyrics are by Jeff Bowen and the book is by Hunter Bell, who chronicled their real-life musical-making experiences with "[title of show]."

Their journey included every aspect of a production, as exemplified in the hilarious "Monkeys And Playbills," one of the show's 18 songs in which the Civic company shows off their exuberant voices and harmonies.

Harrison and Morris have a fine duet for "Part Of It All," as do Pistone and Cutrona on "What Kind Of Girl Is She."

Cutrona gets to, you might say, vamp it up in "Die Vampire, Die!" The song poignantly refers to what might be called the vampires of doubt that may thwart many from trying, succeeding and achieving their goals.

Pistone's strong voice is showcased in the musical's most evocative song, "A Way Back To Then."

Sanders lets moments like these linger, underscoring that not all is yucks and the word that rhymes with yucks in "[title of show]."

The script is very smart. Check out the playbill's glossary of references.

The script is also very acerbic. "Movies make good musicals," it's stated, referring to the many Broadway stage adaptations of hit movies.

Music director and pianist Justin Brehm, who's on stage at the keyboard, keeps the songs moving at a brisk pace.

Morris is technical director. Set design is by Marilyn Loose. Sound design is by Helena Confer. Wig and hair design is by Kim Danish.

Each of the actors brings a youthful exuberance to his or her role.

Morris is always delightful and doesn't disappoint as the long-legged Hunter.

Harrison, a second year Lehigh Carbon Community College student and Salisbury High School graduate, is a ball of energy as Jeff and a welcome addition to the Civic stage and Lehigh Valley theater community.

Cutrona, a graduating senior at Muhlenberg College, in her Civic stage debut, has a gamine quality as Susan that is beguiling.

Pistone, who has been in area shows, is a knockout singer and performer as Heidi.

"[title of show]," behind all the laughter, is a serious take on the aspirations of playwrights, songwriters, actors, directors and producers.

Forget about the joy of sex. How about the joy of creativity?

There is, indeed, as that great song goes, no business like show business.

Sanders, the actors and all those involved in this wonderful Civic Theatre production know that all too well.

Go see "[title of show]" and you'll get some idea of what it takes to put on a show.

Make sure to take note of the 7:30 p.m. curtain time for "[title of show]." The run-time is about one-hour and 20 mins.

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