At a time when Web-wielding, app-crunching smartphones practically have become members of our respective families, a look back at the early days of telephone "technology" provides colorful context for appreciation.

But this is only one of the reasons why "Bells Are Ringing," the San Francisco Arts Education's 2013 musical, is such a treat. The other reason is the actors themselves: 42 of them total, all of them Bay Area young people, ranging in age from 9 to 15.

According to Emily Keeler, SFArtsED's artistic director, the composition of the acting company makes the performance particularly appealing to families with young kids.

"There's something wonderfully exciting for young people to see their contemporaries up onstage, performing just as well as grown-up actors do," she says. "They see the young people up there, think, 'That could be me,' and they're instantly more invested."

A fun plot doesn't hurt either, and the story line of the 1956 musical is classic: The two-hour show follows the story of a meddlesome busybody who works at a telephone answering service, the 1950s-era equivalent of voice mail. Over the course of the show, the character learns way too much about the lives of locals - leading to chaos and hilarity.

Because the show revolves around old-school telephone technology, it also provides a refreshing and historical perspective on how far we as a society have come with our phones.

"It's hard to believe these answering services were the precursor to what most teenagers know today," Keeler says. "This show is great because it teaches kids about some history they might not otherwise know."

The show also teaches audiences about good, old musical numbers. Because the production originally involved Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins, today it is chock-full of rollicking routines.

No. 1 on this list: "Drop That Name," a song that gives props to many of the great stars of the stage and screen from the 1950s. Other songs that musical theater lovers might know include "Just in Time," "The Party's Over" and "Long Before I Knew You."

SFArtsED itself has become an institution in the Bay Area. Founded in 1965 (as the Alvarado Arts Workshop) by artist Ruth Asawa, the group sponsors a variety of arts education programs in and around San Francisco.

Musicals are one part of that programming. For this show, the troupe of SFArtsED players represents 24 schools in San Francisco, Oakland and Marin County. Keeler says these kids came together to rehearse for a minimum of 10 hours each week. The fruits of that labor speak for themselves.

If you go

Bells Are Ringing: 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Through March 3; check website for full schedule. Eureka Theater, 215 Jackson St., S.F. $15-$40. (415) 392-4400.

Matt Villano is a freelance writer. E-mail: Twitter: @mattvillano