Theatre production of ‘The 1940’s Radio Hour’ to take audiences back in time
The Department of Communication Arts at Georgia Southern University celebrates the 100th anniversary of the radio as its Theatre and Performance program presents The 1940’s Radio Hour by Walton Jones. Audience members will step back in time through this award-winning show, a live broadcast of a The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade from the Hotel Astor’s Algonquin Room on Dec. 21, 1942.
The 1940’s Radio Hour aims to capture the spirit of a bygone era, when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” – both of which are performed in the show. During the play, the harassed producer copes with a drunk lead singer, the delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the mic, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad and a trumpet player who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller.
“We are so excited to be able to feature The 1940’s Radio Hour this season,” said Lisa Abbott, assistant professor of theater and director of the play. “This has been a really fun script to work with and so much of it relies on quick timing and the students’ ability to improvise. Audience members are really in for a fun treat when they come to see this play.”
Joining Abbott on the production is Michael Braz, Ph.D., retired professor of music who is providing musical direction.
The 1940’s Radio Hour opens Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 14. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. The cost for student tickets is $5; faculty, staff and general admission tickets are $10. For more information, contact Abbott at labbott@georgiasouthern.edu or the Department of Communication Arts at 912-478-5138.
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