‘Pump Boys’ fueled by fun

Sometimes you just want to sit back and forget your troubles.

And you can do that with “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” which opened Tuesday in the Helms.

This is one of those little summer musicals that Heritage Theatre Festival has been bringing to Charlottesville audiences for many years. They are invariably fairly short, both on length and plot, packed with music, and featuring talented young people.

It’s a formula that works, and “Pump Boys” is no exception.

The show, about four guys and a gas station and two girls and a dinette, was written by its original performers in 1981. It’s unlikely you’ll recognize any of the songs, but that’s OK. You’ll still tap your toes. They’re fun, lighthearted, performed well enough and often funny — and, put together, can push any negative thought right out of your head.

Renee Dobson, who’s been on both sides of the figurative footlights, has directed and choreographed this show with an eye toward escapist entertainment, and that’s exactly what you get.

It’s not perfect, but it’s cute — and it works. The young performers, including Rafe Andrews, Kristen Bowden, Ryan DeNardo, Beth Kuhn, Richard McNulty and Jeff Ostermueller, all tackle their roles with energy, enthusiasm, humor and talent.

Ostermueller, who plays one mean piano (and accordion), also served as musical director for the show, and he’s done a terrific job in both roles —and he acts well, too.

The cast works well as an ensemble and individually, with a nifty tap dance midway through the show by the two women and Ostermueller. The three other men in the show also are called on to play guitar and bass, while the women use various interesting implements for percussion.

Rachel Witt’s set could be better but it’s not bad, evoking the feel of both diner and roadside gas station. Costumes and lights, by Joshua Bond and Dale Marshall, respectively, do what they’re supposed to do.

The only downside here is cords. Cords for guitars, microphones — cords all over the place. It probably was unavoidable, but it is unsightly and can pose a risk of tripping for the performers, who as it is spend a fair amount of time moving them into place or out of the way. Still, it’s not a serious issue.

If you’re looking for a little lighthearted entertainment, you could do a lot worse.