'1940s RADIO HOUR' TO OFFER THEATRICAL LOOK AT BROADCASTING

Office of Public Affairs

(315) 312-2265

March 31, 2004

CONTACT: Kelly Cullinan, 312-3097

'1940s RADIO HOUR' TO OFFER THEATRICAL LOOK AT BROADCASTING

    OSWEGO -- The SUNY Oswego theatre department will peek behind the curtain of old-time radio with the spring musical "1940s Radio Hour," opening on Friday, April 23, in Tyler Hall's Waterman Theatre.

    Directed by Jonel Langenfeld-Rial, assistant professor of theatre at SUNY Oswego, this musical comedy focuses on a cast of actors looking to make their big break in 1942 at a radio variety show known as "The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade" in New York City.

    Langenfeld-Rial said the play centers around everyday people hoping to make it into show business. "The 1940s was the golden age of radio," she explained. "It was one of the main sources for communication, besides the newspaper." She also wants to introduce high school and college students to an era of news and entertainment outside their regular experience.

    Musical direction is by Todd Graber, who will also play the character of Zoot Doubleman. An onstage band will perform such popular hits of the era as "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Strike up the Band."

    The musical will feature costume designs by Kitty Macey, assisted by student creators Kayla Greeley and Shana White. Scenic designer is Joe Rial. Junior theatre major Megan Callanan is the sound designer, with senior theatre major Jessica Burgess creating the light designs.

    Cheryl Wilkins-Mitchell will choreograph popular dances such as the Jitterbug, the old soft shoe and tap dancing.

    The cast includes Renee Vogelsang as Ann Collier, Megan McGarvey as Connie Miller, Erin Naughton as Ginger Brooks, Brian Heyman as Lou Cohn, Ryan Powers as Neil Tilden, Greg Salmon as Biff Baker, Zachary Levin as Clifton Feddington, Kevin Keleher as B.J. Gibson, Steven Mazzoccone as Wally Fergusson, Ryan Sprague as Pops Baily, Chris Boulter as Johnny Cantone and Dan Williams as Stanley.

    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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Warming up for '1940s Radio Hour'

ON THE AIR -- Zachary Levin practices his delivery as announcer Clifton Feddington in this rehearsal scene for the upcoming SUNY Oswego theatre department presentation, "1940s Radio Hour." The musical comedy will open on 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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