VERO BEACH — Before television, there was radio, and many who grew up in the 1940s will remember when the family gathered in the living room to sit around and listen to songs played by the Big Bands of that time. Mom and Dad may even have “tripped the light fantastic” around the living room, gliding their way around the furniture.
Well, now is your chance to sit back, relax and reminisce as the Vero Beach Theatre Guild presents “The 1940s’ Radio Hour,” live on stage Nov. 10-27. With music by Walton Jones, the production is filled with music, dancing and those old-time sound effects that challenged your imagination.
It was the entertainment of the era. Remember “That Old Black Magic” or “Love is Here to Stay?” And what about “(I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo” and “Ain’t She Sweet.” Ooh, they were all so much fun to dance to.
It was December 1942, the beginning of World War II, when fabled WOV, a seedy little New York radio station took to the air to broadcast for the troops overseas. The narrative concerns the harassed producer whose lead singer is often inebriated, an awestruck delivery boy who wants his chance at the mike, another who dreams of singing a ballad, and the trumpet-playing sound effects of the man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller. The story portrays the final holiday broadcast of the Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade.
Even the ’40s couldn’t escape commercial breaks, and among them were such sponsors as Pepsi Cola, Chiquita bananas, Electrolux vacuum cleaners, Cashmere Bouquet toilet soap and Sal Hepatica. Remember these? Then they were considered an annoyance, but now you chuckle in amusement over the memories forever locked in your mind.
However, the music of the ’40s gets top billing in this production and promises to take many back to their days of youth and ever-present “vim and vigor.”
Rehearsing since the August auditions are: Jim Daly as Clifton A. Feddington; James Davis, Johnny Cantone; Rachel Ellsworth, Connie Miller; Scott Freshley, Neal Tilden; Issac Holliday, Biff Baker; Dana Rogers, Ginger Brooks; Gary Bruce Sayles, B.J. Gibson; Colette Schweizer, Ann Collier; Neal Stannard, Lou Cohn; Larry Thompson, Pops Bailey; Matt Zyble, Wally Fergusson; and Joannie Keys, Zoot Doubleman.
Directing this script of memorabilia is Deanna Fielden. Laura Cooney is stage manager and Sara Dessureau, producer. Assisting are Tina Cookson and Clara McCarthy. Music director is John Toohey. Providing musical background is pianist Ms. Keys.
Denise Lee is production manager; props, Anne Talbot; costumes, Ann McCabe; sound, Edward Dessureau; and lighting, Nicole Hall. Madelyn Rogers is in charge of hair and make-up, while Gerry King and Ms. Lee stepped up to create the choreography routines.
Thirteen performances are available, with three time slots offered:
- 7 p.m. – Nov. 10, 16, 17, 24
- 8 p.m. – Nov. 11, 12, 18, 25
- 2 p.m. – Nov. 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
During intermission, refreshments are available in the courtyard.
The Guild is a live community theatre celebrating its 54th season. Tickets are $22 (Rows A-P) and $20 (Rows R-V). Youth 18 and under are half-price. Wheelchair and companion seats, as well as youth tickets, must be purchased through the Box Office at (772) 562-8300 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early reservations are suggested.
Monday-Friday, or visit the site at 2020 San Juan Ave. Adult tickets only can be purchased on-line at www.verobeachtheatreguild.com. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted at both sites.
Remaining shows of the season are:
“Born Yesterday” – Comedy by Garson Kanin – Jan. 12-22; Director: Tony Della Rocca
“Titanic – The Musical” – March 15-April 1; Story/book by Peter Stone; music/lyrics by Maury Yeston; Director: Denise Lee
“Bell, Book and Candle” – Comedy by John Van Druten- May 10-20; Director: Pat Kroger
Tickets to all shows are available at the Box Office or on-line according to the rules mentioned.
For further information, call the Box Office at (772) 562-8300.