That old theater adage, "The show must go on," forms the basis for the musical comedy farce, "The Andrews Brothers," weekends through July 5, Pines Dinner Theatre, 448 N. 17th St., Allentown.

Continuing the audience immersion that has proven successful in past productions, for this outing theatergoers will be whisked to Fort Kittylock Canteen someplace in the South Pacific during the early 1940s and the height of World War II.

Palm trees, cool breezes and tropical cocktails await the troops who will be arriving for a "USO Show" featuring popular pinup gal Peggy Jones (Amber Blatt) and headlined by the world-famous Andrews Sisters.

Stagehands and brothers, eldest Max (Cody Heuer), bespectacled Lawrence (Conor Schulz) and shy Patrick (Jonny Rouse), the eponymous Andrews Brothers, are eager to do their part to make sure the show goes off without a hitch.

The patriotic brothers have been classified 4F, which was a military designation denoting an applicant medically unqualified to serve in uniform in the armed forces. The term could be triggered by anything ranging from flat feet or nearsightedness to more serious conditions.

Of course, a farce wouldn't be a farce without a snafu or waylaying the best of plans and "The Andrews Brothers" does not disappoint. Our heroes and heroine are called upon to save the day or rather the show when the headliners are quarantined for chicken pox.

"The Andrews Brothers" (book by Roger Bean) utilizes classic comedy devices including drag and slapstick. But most of all, the musical comedy is a charming tribute to "The Greatest Generation" and the beloved soundtrack of the time made popular by the Andrews Sisters who were darlings on the USO circuit.

"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" is generally the first song that comes to mind upon mention of the Andrews Sisters and it is performed in the second act of the play to the delight of the multi-generational audience.

The entire two-act performance is jam-packed with 27 songs, including a tribute to women and the war effort, "Rosie the Riveter," performed by Blatt in full Rosie garb.

"On A Slow Boat To China," performed by the company, is another highlight as wheeled set pieces come together to create a makeshift "boat" that the cast expertly pilots earound the stage.

Other popular tunes include "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" and "Hawaiian War Chant."

Be on the lookout for some audience participation in the second act. Depending upon who is chosen, the person could very well come close to upstaging the cast.

Audiences will root for this delightful small ensemble who each put forth outstanding vocal, dance and comedy chops to combine for a truly enjoyable show.

Wearing many hats as he often does at the Pines, Oliver Blatt is credited as Producer, Director, Choreographer, Technical Director, Set Design and Lighting Director and he executes the aforementioned duties masterfully.

Pines has always been clever with its set designs and maximizing the stage area, which is smaller than at many other theaters because of the intimate seating and dining arrangement, Blatt is expert at working within the confines of the Pines.

Carline Blatt, another member of the theatrical Blatt family dynasty, is credited with costuming, and the wardrobe selections are on point, evoking the time period. The wait staff is not left out and is garbed appropriately to serve their fellow troops (aka the audience) at Fort Kittylock.

Musical accompaniment is provided by Music Director Stacy Bechtel and sound and lighting is under the watch of Richard Gensiak. Stacey B. Yoder and Rodger T. Talb make sure that no one leaves hungry.

It's all good fun and an especially appropriate production to kick off and head into the summertime. The play began its run Memorial Day weekend, the traditional time to honor the troops and veterans, and runs through the Independence Day holiday.