Every six months or so, I'll find in my in-box a forwarded e-mail that touts the virtues of the 1950s - how no one locked their doors at night and all your neighbors knew your name - without mentioning the horrific thunderstorms of the time like segregation.

"Grease," which first appeared on Broadway in 1972, has been called a satirical look at the era's morals, but I'd say that's stretching; it unabashedly skips over the sour bits of life in favor of poodle skirts and sock hops.

Director and choreographer Bernard Monroe, with much help from set designer Jimmy Ray Ward, joyfully embraces the show's nostalgia for Mill Mountain Theatre's production, creating a confectionery vision that, though far from thought-provoking, makes for a fun night.

Stephanie Waters' Sandy D. comes with the right mix of naivete and smarts, as well as a lovely voice, though her version of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" could use some punch. As Danny Zuko, Sandy's Romeo, Gil Brady out-dances John Travolta and creates the show's most substantial character (singing and dancing clearly took priority over the show's spoken scenes).

The supporting cast backs them up with flare, particularly Vince D'Elia, who earned a spontaneous round of applause for his doo-wop tribute "Beauty School Dropout"; no doubt, the showgirls surrounding him with feather fans added to the crowd's delight.

MMT clearly gave Ward the financial support to let his creativity run wild on the set. Among the visual treats: a drive-in theater, a girl's pink bedroom (centered on a heart-shaped bed) and a platform that put musical director Ron Barnett and his electric band on stage where the audience could watch them rock out.

The crowd that filled Trinkle Main Stage for Friday's opening night of "Grease" included more young people and folks from different walks of life than the typical MMT audience. Let's hope this entertaining cream puff brings them back for more substantial fare next season.

"Grease" runs on Mill Mountain Theatre's Trinkle Main Stage through Aug. 14. $35. 342-5740. millmountain.org. Contains some adult subject matter (equivalent to a PG movie).