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Holiday Musical for families brings crowds to Farmington Players Barn: "The 1940's Radio Hour"

A blast from the past with "The 1940's Radio Hour"

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"The 1920's Radio Hour" At Farmington Players Barn; Runs Through 12/22

Photo: By Jim Kelly

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Posted: 12/06/2012

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) - The 1940’s Radio Hour, a musical comedy by Walton Jones (based on an idea he hatched with Carol Lees,) takes you on a trip to Christmas season, 1942. Members of the “Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade,” are preparing a final holiday broadcast for the troops fighting World War II. It’s getting close to airtime at WOV in New York City, and the zany group is coping with backstage drama that threatens to botch their broadcast. Will they be ready in time?

Exciting Ensemble

Rachael Rose of Waterford Township directs this exciting musical comedy loaded with 1940’s songs, dancing and old-time sound effects. The show, sponsored by Weinstein Jewelers of Novi, runs through December 22 at the Farmington Players Barn in Farmington Hills. “It truly is an ensemble show in that every part is important and almost everyone is involved in the action almost all of the time,” says Rose. “From the moment the actors set foot on stage, the action and conversations never stop.” Tickets are available now at http://www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the box office at 248-553-2955.

Colorful Characters & Audience Participation

The musical deals with colorful characters, like the harassed producer whose leading singer is often drunk; the delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the microphone; the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad; and the flustered sound effects man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller. Audience members even get a chance to participate in the fun as the live radio studio audience. “By the time we go ‘on the air,’ the music overlays the already chaotic, comedic conversation, which makes it all the more frenetic,” says Rose. “Basically it's like Noises Off set in the 1940's and to music.”

Toe-Tapping Tunes

Speaking of music, Rose is also proud of her Orchestra led by Music Director and her longtime friend Jose Reyes of Royal Oak. The score includes more than 20 toe tapping tunes like: " I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo ," " Love Is Here to Stay ," " Ain't She Sweet ," “Blue Moon,” “Strike Up The Band,” “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Jingle Bells,” and more.

Rose is a military veteran herself, so her musical tribute to the troops in this holiday season holds a special place in her heart. She says she hopes audiences will enjoy “a feeling of family, camaraderie, support for the good ole U S of A and a spirit of patriotism that hearkens back to another era.”

Remaining Show Dates & Times

Friday, December 7, 8pm

Saturday, December 8, 8pm

Sunday, December 9, 2pm

Friday, December 14, 8pm

Saturday, December 15, 8pm

Sunday, December 16, 2pm

Thursday, December 20, 8pm (Thrifty Thursday $2 Off)

Friday, December 21 8pm

Saturday, December 22, 8pm

Tickets

Tickets are available at both www.farmingtonplayers.org and the box office at 248-553-2955.

• Adults: $18

• Students: $2 off any performance

• Senior Sunday: Dec 2 2pm ($2 off)

• Thrifty Thursday: $2 off ONLY on December 20

• Group Discounts: $2 off any show with a group of ten or more people.

Location

The Farmington Players Barn is located at 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills Michigan 48334. It’s the big white barn on the north side of 12 mile between Orchard Lake and Farmington Rd.

Cast & Crew

CREW

Director Rachael Rose (Waterford)

Asst. Director Mary Ann Tweedie (Novi)

Assistant Kristi Schwartz (Canton)

Musical Director Jose Reyes (Royal Oak)

Co-Producer Mary Winkler (Farmington Hills)

Co-Producer Marilyn Zerlak (Farmington Hills)

Choreographer Jarrod Henderson (Farmington Hills)

CAST

Pops Bailey Jeffery Nelson (Farmington Hills)

Stanley Joel Mapes (Livonia)