Thespian Thoughts Kristina Nikol’s review of 1940’S RADIO HOUR playing at the Crossley Terrace Theater in Hollywood
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For a delightful, family friendly, musical good time, check out THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR playing at the Crossley Terrace Theater in Hollywood, California!
Hello and welcome to Thespian Thoughts for Theatre Reviews! I’m Kristina Nikols with Actors Entertainment.
Join the Actors Co-op for their Musical revival of THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR by Walton Jones! There’s always something happening in this show—from hit songs and humorous commercials to behind the scenes drama on the set.
Speaking of which, the set design by Mark Svastics is perfect. It feels like a real 1940’s studio. There’s an orchestra area, a sound effects booth, tech booth, a Coca-Cola machine that requires a special knock to release the glass-bottled beverage, and flashing “Applause” and “On The Air” signs that transport audience members to the 1940’s.
Director, Nan McNamara, does an excellent job with a splendid cast. Everyone, from the leads to orchestra members, believably plays their roles. A couple of amusing standouts include Ben Ryan as adorably awkward Wally and triple threat Gina D’Acciaro who hits every comedic beat as hilarious, loveable, and entertaining Ginger. Gary Ballard’s last scene as endearing Pops is a surprising and touching ending and, for actors out there, serves as an excellent example in taking time and going moment to moment.
The songs, some of which include “Ain’t She Sweet” and “Blue Moon,” had me swaying and grinning from ear to ear relishing the experience of being part of the 1940’s–I completely felt like I was there! Needless to say, when I got home I made sure to download some 40’s music.
But I didn’t just walk away singing 40’s tunes, I walked away with an understanding and a connection with The Big Band Era. It was nice to catch a glimpse of how the nation, as well as individuals, coped with the difficulties of World War II. The broadcast served as entertainment, an escape, and helped create unity. The show also taps into personal relationships and the importance of love and kindness. It was refreshing to experience a time when families gathered around a radio to be entertained; I am so grateful I got to visit for an hour and a half.
Don’t miss out on experiencing the THE 1940’s RADIO HOUR! It’s a feel good show with great musical entertainment and depth!
I’m Kristina Nikols with Thespian Thoughts. See you at the theatre!
Thespian Thoughts is a show on Actors Entertainment, site on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.
The longest-running show in the history of Actors Co-op, THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR returns to the Crossley Terrace Theatre to begin Actors Co-op’s 20th Anniversary Season.
THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR
BY WALTON JONES
DIRECTED BY NAN McNAMARA
CAST
GARY BALLARD*
NATHAN BELL*
THOMAS CHAVIRA
GUS CORRADO*
GINA D’ ACCIARO
MICHAEL DOWNING
CAHTERINE GRAY*
STEVE GUSTAFSON*
BRIAN HABICHT*
LINDA KERNS*
TAWNY MERTES
JEFFREY SCOTT PARSONS*
BEN RYAN*
KIMI WALKER*
*Members of Actors’ Equity Association
ORCHESTRA
TRIS BEEZLEY
LUKE HANNINGTON
TIM HODGIN
REX MERRIWEATHER
FRANCIS (FRANK) McNULTY
LINDA KERNS
PRODUCTION
PRODUCER: TERESA BISSON
DIRECTOR: NAN MCNAMARA
SET DESIGN: MARK SVASTICS
LIGHT DESIGN: JAMES L. MOODY
SOUND DESIGN: FRITZ DAVIS
COSTUME DESIGN: PAULA HIGGINS
PROPERTY DESIGN: JULIE M. SMITH
STAGE MANAGER: LETICIA GONZALEZ
ADDITIONAL SOUND DESIGN: LINDSAY SCHNEBLY
CHOREOGRAPHY: JULIE HALL
MUSICAL DIRECTION: LINDA KERNS
MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS: LUKE HANNINGTON
WHEN
SEPTEMBER 23 – NOVEMBER 13, 2011
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS at 8 PM
SUNDAYS at 2:30 PM
Additional SATURDAY matinee on October 8 at 2:30 PM
No late seating.
WHERE
ACTORS CO-OP CROSSLEY TERRACE THEATRE
1760 N. GOWER STREET
HOLLYWOOD
Located on the grounds of Hollywood Presbyterian Church.
Free, well-lit parking on Carlos Street (1/2 block east of Gower)
TICKETS
REGULAR ADMISSION: $34
SENIORS: $30
STUDENTS: $25
Group rates are available (minimum of 6 people).
For reservations call (323) 462-8460, ext. 300 or
make reservations on-line at www.actorsco-op.org.
WEBSITE & CONTACT
www.actorsco-op.org
323-462-8460
Thespian Thoughts is a show on Actors Entertainment, a site on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.