Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 4, 1993 TAG: 9312070044
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: C-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KAREN L. DAVIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
If you lived through that era, you'll enjoy this two-hour nostalgia trip back in time to Christmas Week, 1942, soon after America had entered World War II. My mother, who came of age during that era and saw her young husband go off to war, said the show "brought back a lot of memories."
The show is really a show within a show. Would-be singing stars at second-rate radio station WOV buzz about chaotically in the opening scenes, preparing to put on a live radio broadcast. Their show, "The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade," typical of one night - Dec. 21, 1942 - in their hectic livelihoods, is about to be broadcast before a studio audience from the Hotel Astor's Algonquin Room on Broadway in New York City.
You are the studio audience. A green, pull-out insert in the theater's playbill contributes to the illusion by listing the WOV Cavalcade of Stars' names, in character, and the 21 numbers they'll perform.
Even the musicians play characters in an on-stage orchestra, the Zoot Doubleman Orchestra. David Caldwell, Mill Mountain's musical director, plays band leader Zoot on keyboards.
Voices sparkle in old '40s favorites such as "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo," "That Old Black Magic" and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy From Company B."
But after some initial microphone problems were cleared up in Thursday night's preview, a few vocals remained slightly overpowered by the band. Most disappointing, perhaps, was Ginger Brooks' sexy rendition of "Blues in the Night." Karen Faistl, who plays Ginger, has the looks and sultry voice perfect for the part, but the effect was diminished because her words got drowned out.
Thankfully, that didn't happen too many times. By contrast, Sondra M. Bonitto, who plays Geneva Lee Browne, delivered a delightfully bluesy performance of "I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good." And Jaymie Meyer's voice (as Ann Collier) sparkled in "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Another highlight is a rotating chorus of local children who perform "Jingle Bells" and other Christmas music.
Characters are one-sided but well-defined. As intended, we don't learn too much about any of them. But a few arouse our empathy, such as the troubled, super-ego singer Johnny Cantone, played with convincing conceit, and nearly always with cigarette or drink in hand, by Frank Kosik. Mitchell Kantor as Neal Tilden entertains with his superb repertoire of comic voices and impersonations. And Miguel Perez strokes our heartstrings in his portrayal of Biff Baker, a uniformed soldier enjoying his last Christmas before going off to war.
Other cast members include John Cates, Glen Badyna, John Wayne Shafer, David Dalton, Clif Morts, Stephanie Lynge and Al Bundonis. Musicians are George McNeil, Dan Ryan, Justin Jones, Dave Vail, Bob LeFever, Ted Bogsrud, Walker Pennock and Grey Givens.
The swing-era songs, set details and period costumes faithfully capture the spirit and flavor of the '40s. From old-fashioned glass Coca-Cola bottles to double-breasted suits with suspenders, baggy trousers and no cuffs, no detail is overlooked.
A flashing applause sign even cues the audience when to clap. And the sound-effects booth is an absolute treat that shows how the old-fashioned, live sound effects were done back in those days.
Some musical numbers have intentional comic flaws. And between songs are some hilarious, authentic 1940s radio commercials touting Nash automobiles and Cashmere Bouquet soap and hailing home remedies for constipation and gingivitis.
Dramatic installments, including a brief chapter from Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," add to the variety and further illustrate the role of radio sound effects in those days.
Overall, the production is a fresh and captivating departure from the worn-out, run-of-the-mill Christmas fare, making it a worthwhile holiday treat.
The production, directed by Jere Hodgin and choreographed by John Sloman, continues on the main stage at Center in the Square through Dec. 31.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Only one show will be performed Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. The theater is closed on Mondays, and there will be no performances on Dec. 24 or on Christmas Day.
"The 1940's Radio Hour" continues through Dec. 31 at Mill Mountain Theatre, Center in the Square, downtown Roanoke. For reservations, call the box office at 342-5740.
by CNB