December 1-16, 2017
“With Sinatra-style Johnny Cantone (Eric Feldstein) and female headliners like Ann Collier(Leila Dean) and Ginger Brooks (Jackie Bleich), along with Feddington’s bass lending vocal fuel to the mixture, the group is a solid aural package.”
– Tony Curulla Syracuse.com
“There is no real plot, only the drive to get the broadcast on the air, then over and done. Neither is there a hero, anti-hero or protagonist. We see the characters without picking a favorite…… The roles get fleshed out with fuller characterizations during the second act under Patricia Catchouny’s direction”.
– James Mackillop, Syracuse NewTimes
Book by Walton Jones
Music by various composers
A different time is evoked in this marvelously theatrical and winning show, a live broadcast of a The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade from the Hotel Astor’s Algonquin Room on December 21, 1942. The spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” (both are in this show) is accurately captured as the harassed producer copes with a drunk lead singer, the delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the mike, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad, and the trumpet playing sound effects man who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller.
Cast & Production Team
Pops Bailey: Phil Brady
Stanley: Dan Randall
Clifton A Feddington: Matthew Green
Zoot Doubleman: Abel Searor
Wally Fergusson: Rich Bocek
Lou Cohn: Keith Arlington
Johnny Cantone: Eric Feldstein
Ginger Brooks: Jackie Bleich
Connie Miller: Hali Greenhouse
BJ Gibson: Josh Harris
Neal Tilden: Christopher James
Ann Collier: Leila Dean
Geneva Lee Browne: Martikah Williams
Biff Baker: Nic MacLane
Ray Owens: Vern Keller
Director: Patricia Catchouny
Music Director: Abel Searor
Based on an idea by Walton Jones and Carole Lees, as originally presented by the Ensemble company and Yale Repertory Theatre and further developed by the Arena Stage in Washington DC Broadway production presented by Jujamcyn Productions, Joseph P. Harris, Ira Berndale, and Roger Berlind.
“1940’s Radio Hour, The” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC