This coming weekend, the Highline Performing Arts Center will be filled with flappers, tap dancers, platinum blondes and a rich widow named "Muzzy."

If this all sounds like a rollicking good time at the theater, you are right.

The Hi-Liners will open their fall production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St., this Saturday, Sept. 19.

Fresh from presenting two preview performances last weekend at Renton's Carco Theater, the energetic and talented youth with the Hi-Liners are ready and raring to go.

Based on the Julie Andrews movie musical of the same name, "Millie" is the story of young Millie Dillmount (Alexzandra Gorski) who comes to town to be a modern woman in 1922 New York, start a career as a stenographer and marry her boss.

Along the way, she befriends Miss Dorothy Brown (Jordan Kimmel), an aspiring actress from California. The two ambitious ladies move into a hotel run by the mysterious Mrs. Meers (Kate Moyer) who, upon hearing that Miss Dorothy is an orphan, dramatically laments that it is so "sad to be alone in the world."

Unbeknownst to either gal, Mrs. Meers is not just running a hotel for young ladies. Assisted by a pair of indentured Chinese servants Ching Ho and Bun Foo (Greyson Schweiger and Jake Nicholson), Meer's hotel is simply a cover for a white slavery operation, where orphaned young women are kidnapped and shipped off to Asia.

The three conspirators attempt to lure and capture Miss Dorothy, but are thwarted each time, once unintentionally by Millie, and another time by Ching Ho, who appears to be falling for Miss Dorothy's beauty.

Meanwhile, Millie is hired as the private "steno" for Mr. Trevor Graydon (Max Seifert) of the Sincere Trust Insurance Company, and sets to work to marry her boss for money, not love.

But, as is usually the case of the best laid plans, Millie finds herself falling instead for the penniless Jimmy Smith (Brad Walker), who takes her out to Yankee games and dance clubs.

It also turns out that Jimmy's father was once the gardener for a famous cabaret singer Muzzy Van Hossmere (Renee Lukins), who takes Millie under her wing.

Hi-Liner's director Kathleen Edwards has crafted a fun and comical production with ingenious staging inspired from the 2002 Broadway production. Bringing together young performers from all levels of experience and training, "Millie" is an audience-pleaser, with chorus numbers and solos that will delight and keep your toe tapping all evening.

Highlights of the show include Millie's job interview with Mr. Graydon, "The Speed Test," a cleverly choreographed number using rolling secretarial desks, tap dance and a fast-talking song (reminiscent of a Gilbert and Sullivan piece).

The comedy of Ching Ho and Bun Foo is punched up by the use of supra-titles, which translate their witty and often caustic remarks.
"Millie" is fortunate to have the support of several stand-out performers. Alexzandra Gorski's Millie thoroughly drives the show from start to finish. She is perfect for the part.

As the evil Mrs. Meers, Kate Moyer is the woman you love to hate because she will keep you laughing all evening.

Brad Walker's Jimmy is a fine leading man who has just the right amount of charm and street smarts to carry the romantic storyline of the show.

For vocal skill, Jordan Kimmel, Renee Lukins and Kate Moyer can't be beat.

This may not be the most recognizable musical around, but give it a shot. By the end of the evening, you may just find yourself dancing, tapping and flapping to a whole new tune.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" runs from Sept. 19 through the 27th at the Highline PAC. Tickets can be purchased by phone by calling 206- 617-2152 or online at www.hi-liners.org.