"No Tapping in the Lobby."

Though a sign stating this rule was prominent at the Hotel Priscilla lobby in the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, it was difficult to obey it in the lobby of the Eisenhower Auditorium last night.

The music was bouncy, catchy and fun, and it made me want to travel through time back to the '20s. However, I expected more big-group dance numbers in this Tony-award-winning show. The toe-tapping melodies needed more tapping dance numbers. After all, not only did the Broadway version win best musical, but also best choreography.

This production, however, did prove worthy of the show's Tony for best costume design, with its bright, colorful '20s attire perking up the stage. At one point, Millie's purple frock matched Mr. Graydon's tie to a tee.

The title role is played by Alex Ellis, a recent Elon University graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater. She hit every note easily, sounding like the ideal candidate for the lead role in a Disney movie. Her talent especially shines on the solo number "Gimme, Gimme" in the second act.

The male lead, Jimmy Smith, is played by David Allen Fox, whose voice is smooth and wonderful. His singing talent is first noticeable toward the end of the first act, when he sings "What Do I Need with Love" among a group of sleeping jailbirds. He may not have captured their attention, but he sure caught mine just when my mind was beginning to wander. In a later scene, he stands on the top of a New York City building, belting out a beautiful melody. His zest is reminiscent of Gene Kelly at his best.

The backdrop for all this talent is flashy and super-stagy. The Sincere Trust Insurance Company is so sparkly, it looks like it belongs on a game show. Nonetheless, it fits the bill for this bubbly musical. It is clear why this was a huge hit in 2002 when it began on Broadway -- it captures the essence of New York City and a girl's hopeful dreams of making it big in the Big Apple. The show has everything you would expect in a hit Broadway musical -- singing, dancing, humor, a villain, lies and, of course, romance.

However, one thing you might not expect is songs sung in Japanese. Don't worry, subtitles are included, but you might need binoculars to see them. I was seated in the orchestra section, and even with my 20/25 vision, I had difficulty reading the poster boards.

Overall, the show was enjoyable, although I must caution you: Act I lasts for an hour and a half. Use the bathroom before the show begins.