First things first: The trademark helicopter that punctuates the second act of “Miss Saigon” was all that could be hoped for. Loud and equipped with blinding lights, its dramatic night landing to evacuate Americans from the U.S. embassy in the waning days of the Vietnam war is one of the signature moments of the musical, now being staged by Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.

Based on Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly,” “Miss Saigon” tells the story of Kim (Amy Robbins), an impoverished Vietnamese showgirl, and Chris (Nick Rapson), an American GI, who fall in love as the world around them collapses. When the fall of Saigon tears the two apart, Chris makes a new life for himself in America while Kim struggles to raise Chris’ son (the adorable tot Joel Porcalla) by herself.

Beyond the chopper, there were a lot of things to like about this “Saigon” in Thursday night’s opening performance, and one troublesome problem. But first, the good. The key players were well cast and in fine voice. Choreographer Tawna Dabney did her job expertly and it showed, especially in the opening number, “The Heat is On in Saigon.” The orchestra, Michael Williams directing, sounded great, and director Wendy Sielaff kept the show—which, in the wrong hands, can drag—humming smoothly along.

To my ears (and those of my companion), however, the sound in general often seemed muddy and devoid of sparkle. In particular, the lyrics in act one’s “The Morning of the Dragon” would have been incomprehensible to anyone without previous knowledge of the show. Hardly a word could be distinguished. The problem seemed to ease up in the second act, and the show was the better for the improved vocal clarity.

Speaking of the key players, Rapson and Robbins were perfectly believable as two young people in love under difficult circumstances. Rapson displayed a likable all-American charm, while Robbins hit just the right emotional notes on the poignant number “I Still Believe.”

In addition, Ellington Berg was memorable in the often show-stealing role of The Engineer, with his near-wolfish grin, perpetually hustle and dreams of Uncle Sam’s promised land. His “If You Want to Die in Bed” was one of the high points of the first act. Jeff Steinhauer was a delight as Chris’ GI pal John, especially in the second act’s opening number, “Bui-Doi,” where he and a soldier chorus lament the mixed-race children born out of the conflict.

All in all, “Miss Saigon” still has the power to captivate, decades after the Vietnam conflict provoked such passion in this country. Civic deserves a distinguished service medal for tackling such an ambitious production and bringing the story solidly to life.

“Miss Saigon” will continue Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University Ave. Call 734-971-2228 or visit www.a2ct.org.