LOOK, SOUND OF 1940s BROUGHT TO STAGE FOR MUSICAL

Office of Public Affairs

(315) 312-2265

April 8, 2004

CONTACT: Kelly Cullinan, 312-3097

LOOK, SOUND OF 1940s BROUGHT TO STAGE FOR MUSICAL

    OSWEGO -- The look and sound of the 1940s will come to the Waterman Theatre stage with the SUNY Oswego theatre department's spring musical "The 1940s Radio Hour." The production opens at 8 p.m. Friday, April 23.

    Written by Walton Jones, this trip to yesteryear aims to evoke both touching and comical moments. It includes the pre-show, broadcast time and post-show antics on of a live radio variety show titled the "WOV Cavalcade of Stars" one December evening in 1942 New York City.

    An onstage band will play such 1940s hits as "Ain't She Sweet," "Kalamazoo," "I'll Be Seeing You" and "That Old Black Magic" to recreate the World War II era. The Pepsi-Co. jingles featured in the production are intended to contribute additional authenticity.

    Actors will move to the music with popular dances of the time such as swing and the jitterbug. Audience members will become part of the studio audience and are encouraged to cheer when the "applause" sign lights up.

    Jonel Langenfeld-Rial, an assistant professor of theatre, directs the production. Todd Graber provides musical direction, and choreography is by Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell.

    Scenic designer Joe Rial's creations will play upon the art deco nature of the period, giving weight to blues and oranges throughout his design. "I think the overall product will be lively and entertaining, while providing a nostalgic trip back to a not-so-distant era," Rial said.

    He predicted that audiences will see the set transformed from an empty warehouse to a fully functioning radio studio during the course of the show.

    A preview performance of "The 1940s Radio Hour" will be staged at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 22, with all seats available for $6.

    The show will continue with 8 p.m. curtain times April 23 and 24 and May 1, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on May 2. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $7 for SUNY Oswego students.

    For tickets and reservations, call the Tyler Hall box office at 312-2141.

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Acting the part of old-time radio characters

Acting the part of old-time radio characters

SHOWTIME! -- Ryan Sprague (left) as Pops Bailey and Bryan Heyman as Lou Cohn are among the colorful characters populating the cast of an old-time radio show in the upcoming SUNY Oswego theatre department presentation "1940s Radio Hour." The musical comedy will open Friday, April 23, in Tyler Hall's Waterman Theatre. For tickets and reservations, call the Tyler Hall box office at 312-2141.

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