Events | NewsNovember 29, 2021

UAFS Music & Theater to Perform 1940s Radio Hour

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Department of Music and Theatre will present the musical production  "The 1940s Radio Hour" at 7 p.m., Dec. 3-4, at Breedlove Auditorium on the UAFS campus.

The Walton Jones musical gives a behind-the-scenes experience of live radio’s fun and chaos as fictional NYC radio station WOV prepares and airs a live audience show on Dec. 21, 1942, from the Hotel Astor.  Featuring a live swing band, over twenty Great Era tunes, commercials, comedy bits, and singers, and the drama between cast members on and off the air, this show is sure to please.

Entry is free for students and veterans, tickets for senior citizens and UAFS faculty and staff are $5, and general admission is $10. To purchase tickets, visit uafs.universitytickets.com or call 479-788-7300. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

The cast of "The 1940s Radio Hour" features performers who are working their day jobs while seeking fame at night, hoping the WOV broadcasts will make them next big star. The would-be stars are led by the Frank Sinatra-type Johnny; his sometimes love interest Ann; bubbly waitress Ginger; the young and determined performers Connie and BJ; Geneva, who has her own band; Neal, who drives a cab, but wants to be featured vocalist and the next Bob Hope at the same time; and the local delivery boy, Wally, who knows all the routines just in case he gets his shot. 

Guiding this group are the producer/director/announcer Clifton, their stage manager and sound effects genius Lou, master technician Stanley, and “Pops”, the aging performer who likes to think he is in charge, but also likes to play cards, and makes bets on the phone during the show.

The concern of one of the show’s own joining the war overseas the next day in a fighter squadron, the daily anxieties of performing while working other jobs, and individual crises are at the edges of the beautiful and fun music and comedy of this show as performers navigate the real world and the radio land world of station WOV.

This show is a collective effort with UAFS student musicians, faculty from UAFS and local schools, alumni, and newcomers in the cast, crew, and band. 

Directed by Kevin Jones, UAFS Professor of English, choreographed by Daniel Myers, and featuring UAFS accompanists and local musical icons, Gini Law and Terri Bailey as pianists, vocal and instrumental directors, the show is truly a campus-wide production.

Lucas Davis, Hackett band director, will join a multitude of UAFS students, staff and alumni and as cast, crew, and band

The show will star Christopher Monterroza, Jamarion Davidson, Tate Carnley, Brieana McAfee, Tori Smith, Aylssa Foley, Charissa Johnson, Casey Goodson, Trent Gregory, Malcum Nobles, Gavin Garrett, Hunter Seegers, and Houston Haught. 

The Zoot Doubleman Orchestra will feature Tommy Thavonekham, Jesse Boyd, Ben Baker, Brian Bailey, Raul Ortiz, Bradyn Sanders, Shane Winford, Dylan Richmond, Destiny Riddle, Aanika Reilly, Lucas Davis, and Gini Law. 

 

• Tags:
• Theatre
• Music