The military has changed since World War...

The military has changed since World War II, but the primary mission of many young soldiers on leave--the search for romance--remains the same.

Also a constant for the past 28 years has been the talent and commitment of those who put on the annual summer show for the Palos Verdes High School drama boosters.

This year these immutable ingredients are combined into an energetic production of “On the Town,” a musical about three sailors who each fall in love on a 24-hour leave in New York City in December, 1944.

Eighty students from Miraleste, Rolling Hills and Palos Verdes high schools make up the cast, crew and orchestra. A production team of 20 mothers handles off-stage matters.

They are working with extraordinary material: A young composer named Leonard Bernstein wrote the music and Jerome Robbins did the choreography for the original 1944 Broadway production of “On the Town.”

And there was help of another kind. Betty Garrett, who appeared in the film version of the musical, attended a rehearsal, inspiring students with show biz stories and dancing a few numbers with the cast.

This fall’s consolidation of the three Palos Verdes Peninsula schools means that “there’s an added emphasis on working together,” said co-producer Sue Brundidge. “They’re all working toward the common goal of putting on a terrific production.”

The annual show has always drawn volunteers from the Palos Verdes High School community, but the consolidation of the district’s high schools has stirred more interest among people associated with the other two schools, said Jodie Fay, publicity director. “It’s a nice feeling. I like the change.”

Staged at the Norris Theatre for the Performing Arts, “On the Town,” with its soaring dance numbers, beautiful ballads and humorous score, will be “like no other high school performance you’ve ever seen,” trumpeted Brundidge, sounding like the eager parent and excited producer she is.

The show, which opened Thursday, continues at 2 and 8 p.m. tonight, with 8 p.m. performances Aug. 1-4. There also is a matinee today and Aug. 4. Tickets are $13, except for the matinee, which is $10. The Norris Theatre is at 27570 Crossfield Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, 544-0403.