"The 1940's Radio Hour" - Holiday Musical Comedy At Farmington Players Barn 11/30-12/22 December 20, 2012

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 November 30 - 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 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.”

Swing Band & Seasonal Singers On Opening Night
On Opening Night Friday November 30th the Barn will transform into a vibrant scene from the 1940’s. The fun begins with director Rachael Rose and her 14-voice cappella group Masquerade singing seasonal songs in the theater lobby. Masquerade involves musicians from both sides of the Detroit-Windsor border. Along with Rose, Masquerade singers Allison Boufford and Keith Janoch are also members of the Farmington Players.
Following the performance of 1940’s Radio Hour, the excitement continues with a 17-piece “Swing City Big Band” playing “oldies” dance tunes at an afterglow party for all audience members. The Farmington Players will team up with show sponsor Weinstein Jewelers to throw the USO-type festival. The USO (United Service Organization) began entertaining troops during World War Two, and the Barn Party will attempt to capture some of that excitement with its special trip back in time. Additionally, hosts and hostesses wearing vintage clothing will work the lobby serving appetizers to patrons.

Official Website: http://farmingtonplayers.org/