ORLANDO — The new Winter Park Playhouse musical From My Hometown has an irresistible number of classic soul and R&B songs performed by three enormously talented actors. But I liked the show even more for something else: a surprisingly heartfelt and moving story. It’s the kind of show that’s likely to appeal to anyone who has dabbled creatively in the arts, music or theater scene, because it’s all about those potent hopes and dreams we nurture for much of our teen and adult lives.

The premise of From My Hometown is certainly an enticing one. Three young R&B singers meet up in NYC in 1980, having arrived there from Detroit, Memphis and Philadelphia. They have superb voices and definite talent, and they’re heading for a competitive audition to nurture their dream of performing at the famed Apollo Theater.

 Besides having talent, the guys have something else in common: they’re broke,and in desperate need of this gig. Alongside those dreams of success that carried them to the Big Apple are jitters about what happens if they don’t pass the audition.

Let’s just say this story is far less predictable than it might sound, and it’s likely to surprise you quite a bit. I know it did for me.

From My Hometown, which opened Friday, is being performed by the Playhouse now through Saturday, Feb. 21 at their temporary home at Orlando Shakes. The three gifted actors, those familiar 1960s and 1970s songs and a story with a strong emotional pull combine for one fabulously entertaining show.

What is the Musical From My Hometown?

Created by playwright Lee Summers, From My Hometown has a book written by Summers, Ty Stephens, and Herbert Rawlings, Jr., built around their own autobiographical stories of desiring careers in the music and theater industry. The show, which had its premiere in 1998 at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, ties it story together through 24 rhythm and blues classics made popular by such soul legends as James Brown, Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson and the Isley Brothers, along with some original music by the show’s creators.

From My Hometown, though, isn’t just a musical review. The story follows those three aspiring performers, all new to New York City, who take an emotional roller coaster ride during their auditions for a gig at the Apollo. While they clearly have talent and know it, all three are well aware there could be some obstacles along the way.

The question is whether they know just how steep those obstacles might get.

What’s especially engaging about the show is how these three men, initially fierce competitors, figure out a creative way to overcome those obstacles. And what I liked about the show is how the playwrights — and, for the Winter Park Playhouse production, the actors — work to ensure you’re rooting for each one of them.

How is the Winter Park Playhouse Production?

“Polished” may seem like an overused word, but the Playhouse crew certainly put some true heart and soul into staging this one. The casting is impeccable. Adourin Jamelle Owens has become a favorite with Playhouse audiences for his phenomenal singing voice and masterful skill at stage comedy, and he’s happily back after getting high acclaim for his work in the recent Playhouse productions of Forever Plaid, Route 66 and Five Guys Named Moe.

Owens is joined by Quentin Avery Brown and James White III, both making their Playhouse debut, and their performances here are as exciting to watch as Owens’ is. Their spirited, high energy performances are fully taken advantage of by the show’s director and choreographer, Desiree Montes — herself an acclaimed singer, actress and veteran of the Playhouse who worked beautifully with the actors to get the raw emotion of this story at its most impactful.

While general audiences are likely to enjoy watching the actors perform soaring renditions of those old soul hits, this is a special production, I think, for anyone involved in the arts or who has a passion for audience pleasing. This show is going to be extra special for them.

Where Can I See From My Hometown?

From My Hometown is being performed now through Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Winter Park Playhouse’s current home at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center,  812 E Rollins St. in Loch Haven Park. The Playhouse has a ticket booth right outside the Mandell Theater where its shows are performed. There is ample parking at Orlando Shakes, and VIP parking is available for Winter Park Playhouse performances.

The musical runs for 2 hours, with a 15 minute intermission. The first act is one hour long and the second act is 35 minutes.

Performances are Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and select Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $47 for evening shows, $45 for seniors during evening shows, and $42 for matinees. There are $20 tickets for students ages 15-25, active military and theatrical industry professionals. Student rush “$10@10” offers $10 tickets (for students 25 years and younger) are available 10 minutes prior to a performance when seats are available.

To purchase tickets or for more information call the box office at 407-645-0145 or visit the theater online at www.winterparkplayhouse.org.

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the terrifying book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.

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