You’ve probably heard the song, “Send in the Clowns.”

Frank Sinatra recorded “Send in The Clowns” for his album, “Ol’ Blue Eyes Is Back” (1973). Judy Collins’ recording received a Song of the Year Grammy (1975). The song is a standard with more than 500 versions recorded.

“Send in the Clowns” is from the Stephen Sondheim (1930 - 2021) musical, ”A Little Night Music,” which debuted in 1973 on Broadway.

Civic Theatre of Allentown’s “A Little Night Music,” through May 21, illuminates the show with a jewel box of a production by Director-Choreographer William Sanders, Civic Theatre’s Managing Artistic Director, and Music Director Pam Wilt. The May 5 opening night performance was seen for this review.

With “Send in the Clowns” in the Civic Theatre production, Julia Urich (Desiree) in voice and gesture beautifully contextualizes the song’s essence of regret. The reprise of the song by Todd Rizzuto (Frederik) deepens the sense of regret because the object of affection objected. Alas, all is not lost.

The staging, with Scenic Designer Luke Blomstrom and Scenic Artist Jan Joyce, captures the stark reality of Desiree’s emotional honesty, abetted by her emotional darkness, in the scene by Lighting Designer Marcus Geise.

Civic’s production has a chamber music delicacy. The five-piece ensemble on stage is: Bruce Gaston, violin; Ellen Hospador, cello; Aaron Patterson, flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, bassoon; Andrea Wittchen, harp, and Pamela Wilt, keyboard and conductor. Sound Designer Randall Utsch gives a pristine quality to instruments and vocals.

The Civic production has a nice ebb and flow. Actors weave in and out of scenes, becoming human scene changes in graceful waltzes, wearing lovely costumes and styles by Costume Designer Scaramouche Costume and Wigs and Hair Designer Kim Danish.

The setting is Sweden circa 1900 in the musical, with lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler.

The musical is inspired by the film, “Smiles of a Summer Night” (1955), by director Ingmar Bergman. The play’s title is a translation of Serenade No. 13, K. 525, “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

“A Little Night Music” is complex with extremely challenging material. Civic’s 18-member cast is more than up to the task.

“The Glamorous LIfe” is a showcase of terrific vocalists: Patricia Birnbaum (Madame Armfeldt), Veronica Cummings (Mrs. Nordstrom), Carole Silvoy (Mrs. Segstrom), Kate Varley (Mrs. Anderssen), Mark Shoemaker (Mr. Lindquist) and Sebastian Paff (Mr. Erlanson).

Birnbaum is winsome, wise and wonderful in “Liasons.”

Will Morris (Count Carl-Magnus Malcom) holds nothing back with “In Praise of Women,” his voice as resounding as his vibrant stage presence.

Cheryl Moritz (Countess Charlotte Malcolm) and Malana Wilson (Anne Egerman) are delightfully snarky in “Every Day a Little Death.”

The cast includes Annie Hotz (Frederika Armfeldt), Jaedon Muhl (Frid), Anthony Rizzuto (Henrik Egerman), Miki Fuentes (Petra), Jadaline Fontanez (Malla), Harrison-Denithorne (Bertrand) and Bowie Green (Osa).

Production Stage Manager is Emma Higton. Stage Manager is Todd Croslis. Assistant Stage Manager is Bowie Green. Props are by Jason Sizemore and Joann Wilchek Basist.

You may be familiar with the song, “Send in the Clowns.” Now’s your opportunity to become familiar with the show, “A Little Night Music.”

“A Little Night Music,” 7:30 p.m. May 12, 13, 18, 19, 20; 2 p.m. 14, 21, Civic Theatre of Allentown, Nineteenth Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown. Civic Theatre offers a pay-what-you-can performance May 18. Tickets: 610-432-8943; https://civictheatre.com/