By Karen Kennedy
The time is 1942. Roosevelt is president and the country is at war. As Christmas approaches, a run-down small-time radio station in New York City full of eccentrics, schemers and dreamers decides to record a broadcast for the troops overseas.
Take a swingin’ trip down memory lane and tune into the final broadcast of the “Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade” as the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre presents “The 1940’s Radio Hour,” Oct. 25 through Nov. 9.
The show is chock-full of Great American Songbook standards including “Love is Here to Stay,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Blue Moon,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “I’ll Never Smile Again.” It also features holiday favorites “Jingle Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
The show is directed by Robert Sorbera, who also is the theatre’s artistic director.
“This show takes us back to a simpler time,” Sorbera said. “A time when everyone gathered around the radio – it was the way most people got their news and their entertainment. In a time of war, radio really unified the nation. In some ways, the show parallels much of what is going on right now in America; upheaval and uncertainty, but always optimism. This is the antithesis of how we get our news today. There was just radio back then.”
The show marks a return to the Civic stage by local favorite Tobin Strader, who took a break from acting after adopting two young children. Audiences will recognize him from “My Way” and “Bus Stop.”
Brent Marty, Civic Theatre’s director of music and education, typically is in the pit conducting the orchestra. Since the orchestra is on the stage for this show, he’ll be able to perform and conduct.
“The show has a bit of choreography, by Anne Beck, who is quite creative. It has to be creative, because the characters can’t leave the microphone,” Sorbera said. “So the actors on the stage are really playing to two audiences, the radio audience and the live audience. It’s very unique. It’s a great little show.”
The 1940’s Radio Hour • Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre • Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 25 through Nov. 9 • Tickets: $46.50 adults, $36.50 youth (up to age 18) • More information at www.civictheatre.org or by calling 843-3800.
