A tip from the Editor is be seated at least 20 minutes before show time, for the last two MMTA performances of The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade radio hour. Performances will be in the Morrison Institute of Technology auditorium, 701 Portland Avenue, Morrison, IL, on Friday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 2:00 p.m.
Action starts long before the on-air radio broadcast begins. Thirteen musicians and Band Leader Doug Harridge (Zoot Doubleman) enter with nearly 20 instruments. Thirteen employees of New York City, NY, studio WOV scurry on and off stage, preparing for the their December 21, 1942, presentations and commercials.
Keep your eyes on actor Edwin Davis (Pops Bailey) as he manages horse racing tips, on two period telephones, during “The 1940’s Radio Hour.” Admire the clever set design by Theresa Brandon, which includes “Kilroy Was Here” and a bit of fake news on the wall. Fans of actor Kim Meyers (Neal Tilden) will be delighted with his facial and vocal antics!
Morrison Music Theater Association is pleased to broadcast “The 1940’s Radio Hour.” This musical tells the story of an evening weekly variety show, at the seedy studios of WOV, a 5000-watt, local radio station. There are appealing characters; sound effects and a flashing Applause sign; on-the-spot changes; humor; pathos; patriotism. However, there is no intermission–as this is a “live” broadcast.
The production is under the direction of Jalayne Riewerts of Fenton, IL, with musical direction by Harridge of Morrison. Nancy Brzezinski, also of Morrison, will serve as the accompanist.
Other cast members from Morrison include
- Carol Janvrin as Ann Collier
- John Miller as B. J. Gibson
- Bonnie Phend as Faye Templeton
- Eric Phend as Johnny Cantone.
Cast members from Fulton, IL, include Olivia Vander Bleek who will portray Ginger Brooks.
Actors from Prophetstown, IL, include
- Jasmine Haggard as Connie Miller
- Kim Meyers as Neal Tilden
- Timothy Morris as Wally Ferguson.
Actors from Sterling, IL, include
- Edwin Davis as Pops Bailey
- Joplin Crossland-Sell as Lou Cohn
- Brendan O’Donnell as Biff Baker.
Rounding out the cast is Brad Field of Mt. Carroll, IL, as Clifton Feddington.
Morrison Music Theater Association has been presenting quality productions to local audiences for over 50 years.