“The 1940’s Radio Hour” opens CBU’s 2016-17 theatre season

 

Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2016) – California Baptist University’s theatre arts program is bringing comedy and music to the Wallace Theatre with its opening production for the 2016-2017 season “The 1940’s Radio Hour.”

With music by Walton Jones, the story takes place in December 1942 at a New York City radio station. The producer deals with the performers and other personnel as they put on a radio show, which includes music from the 1940s, such as “Strike up the Band,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

The cast members have grown in their abilities as they have learned to sing, hold harmonies and dance at the same time, said Lisa Lyons, adjunct professor of theatre and the play’s director.

“I hope the audience gets pure enjoyment out of the show,” Lyons said.

Assisting with the show is the jazz band from the School of Music. Seventeen musicians will be on the stage for each show, re-creating that special “big band” sound, said Dr. Guy Holliday, associate dean and director of bands.

“These shows are different from our regular concerts in that we are interacting with vocalists/dancers/actors throughout the show, so the timing, tempos and balance have to be precise,” Holliday said. “We can’t let down our energy for any part of those shows. This is what professional musicians who play musical theater shows have to do, so this is truly a real world experience for our musicians.”

Mason Lee, a theatre senior, plays Pops Bailey, a cranky old man who works at the station.

“It's a show that's heavily designed to just be a high energy hour and a half for an audience to come in and relax,” Lee said. “We put a lot of hard work into learning the songs, and I think the audience is going to enjoy that.”

“The 1940’s Radio Hour”

When: Oct. 14-15, Oct. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 15, Oct 22, at 2 p.m.
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504
Tickets: General admission $15, CBU Faculty and Staff $12, CBU students $10
Tickets or questions? Call the theatre box office at 951- 343-4319 or email: mhyde@calbaptist.edu