MANSFIELD - For an enjoyable evening of nostalgic entertainment,
head on over to MMAS for their latest production, "The 1940's Radio
Hour."
The play invites the audience to go back to Dec. 1, 1942 and
into the studio audience of WOV, New York as they broadcast a
holiday program for the soldiers overseas.
Under the direction of MMAS Artistic Director Ken Butler, this
is journey back in time is easy as the production deftly blends
behind-the-scenes antics, on-air humor and some much-loved and
entertaining standards of the 1940s.
Butler has assembled a talented ensemble that brings the radio
personalities to life. However Beth Goldman as Lou, the radio show
stage manager, stands out as she connects the audience to what is
happening on stage, making the spectators feel as though they are
part of the show. Goldman demonstrates a quick wit and remains in
character throughout - even when offstage with the audience.
Frank Bustraca has a perfect voice as radio show host Clifton,
with an "on-air" stage presence similar to that of Garrison Keillor
of "Prairie Home Companion." It is with a dry sense of humor that
he projects his voice for the fictional commercials and skits with
his radio show performers. Bruce Church as Pops, the "off-air"
office man with a penchant for gambling and taking bets on the
company phone, performs with a pan-faced and dry sense of
humor.
Each of the cast members fit their radio show personalities to a
tee, from sexy waitress Ginger (Sarah Barlow) to shy sound and
lights man Stanley (Bill Castro). And each costume captures the
personality of its character.
As the featured singer, Mike Duarte delivers a ballad with all
the affectation and charisma of a soon-to-be Hollywood hopeful. His
vocal talents shine particularly in the numbers "Love is Here to
Stay" and "I'll Never Smile Again."
As long-time radio show performer Ann, Colleen Sutcliffe
reflects a certain pedigree of allure that comes with being the
radio show sweetheart. Sutcliffe also has the rich vocal stylings
of the era, most notably in the songs "That Old Black Magic" and
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
Doug McDougal performs enthusiastically as deliveryman Neal who
hopes for, and finally gets, a chance to perform with the troupe.
McDougal does particularly well in his rendition of "Blue
Moon."
And, of course, the unforgettable 1940s tunes, from "Boogie
Woogie Bugle Boy" to the bebop rendition of "Jingle Bells," play a
starring role in this production. The catchy numbers had the
audience last weekend swaying or clapping along.
And what would the a radio show be without the sound effects
person? Rachel Morandi as Carol handles this role nicely and has a
lovely singing voice as well. Also with an impressive voice is
Cindy McCarron as hopeful homemaker Connie, who is dating lead
hopeful BJ (Patrick Murphy). Their voices and chemistry blend well
together in their duet of "How About You" and her solo on "Daddy."
Murphy also sings a beautiful rendition of "You Go To My Head."
It would be remiss not to mention the sultry stylings of Barlow
as Ginger when she sings "Blues in the Night" or the nonchalance of
Celine Daley as Geneva as she performs "I Got It Bad and That Ain't
Good." And, of course, you need someone like Dave Coccia as Zoot
the bandleader to bring the music all together.
"The 1940's Radio Hour" runs through April 11 at the MMAS Black
Box Theatre, 377 North Main St., Mansfield. Call 508-339-2822 or
log on to www.mmas.org for
tickets.
