Portraying the behind the scenes antics that go on in the studio during a radio broadcast, the show begins with backstage hands, musicians and performers arriving at the studio on a snowy night. As they file into the studio, their personalities are revealed through their actions and interplay with one another. Pert little Connie Miller, played by Joanie Brosseau-Beyette, heads for the Coke machine, another actor goes to the pay phone to call his bookie, while the announcer, Clifton E. Feddington, played by Kent Sugg, attempts to get everyone organized before the show "goes live" at the top of the hour. There's a lot of socializing, and movement on the set before the players finally take their places before the show begins. The studio orchestra, meanwhile, warms up. Some of the performers have dreams of making it to the "big time" in show biz. One of them, Brian Norber, who plays Johnny Cantone, a sloshed resident crooner, announces that his last appearance is tonight. He plans to go to Hollywood. Perky Miss Ginger Brooks, played by Alicia Dunfee, gets attention chewing gum, pacing, primping and thumbing through a movie magazine. Brian Jackson plays Biff Baker, a singer and tenor sax player - it's his last night too, before he goes overseas to join a fighter squadron. Ann Collier, played by Shelly Cox-Robie, is the Rita Hayworth type, a sultry torch singer. Matt LaFontaine provides a lively, animated performance of delivery boy, Wally Ferguson, who wants more than anything to get into the show. Then, Lady Luck smiles on him and he gets to replace an absent actor. He proudly takes his place on stage. Other members of the very talented cast are: Scott Beyette Brandon Dill, Neal Dunfee, Wayne Kennedy, Cindy Lawrence, and Barb Reeves. They all sing and dance and get their time in the spotlight. As the “On the Air” sign lights up, the cast members settle down and take their places. The music crescendos and the announcer opens the show.
The show spotlights hit tunes from the 40's big-band era by George and Ira Gershwin, Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, and other composers of the day. Songs played by the terrific eight-piece Zoot Doubleman orchestra include, Blue Moon, Old Black Magic, Ain't She Sweet, Kalamazoo, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Strike Up the Band, and other tunes that recall the nostalgia of the 40's wartime swing era. The show also features comedy segments, radio plays, and period commercials for products of the 40's, such as Chiquita Bananas, Eskimo Pies, and Nash automobiles. "On the Air" and "Applause" signs prompt audience response.
Written by Walton Jones, based on an idea by Walton Jones and Carol Lee, the show was originally produced by the Ensemble Company and Yale Repertory Theatre. Jujamycn Productions, Joseph P. Harris, Ira Bernstein and Roger Berlind presented the Broadway production.
The 1940's Radio Hour, produced by Boulder’s Dinner Theatre, was directed and choreographed by Alicia Dunfee. It runs from November 2007 through January 26, 2008.
For ticket information:
www.theatreinboulder.com
Box Office/Reservations:
303-449-6000 ext. 4
boxoffice@bouldersdinnertheatre.com
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