Overview
Synopsis
Welcome to the chaotic world of New York radio station WOV! It’s the final broadcast of the Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade, a show for American soldiers serving overseas during World War Two. Harassed manager Clifton A. Feddington tries to keep his performers in order and get through the broadcast without too many catastrophes. However, that is easier said than done! With a drunken, Sinatra-esque lead singer, a delivery boy with theatrical aspirations, and a talented trumpeter preparing to leave New York’s big band scene and fight overseas, it’s a challenge just to get to the end of the show. Full of big band classics, jitterbugging, and old-fashioned, live sound effects, The 1940s Radio Hour takes a swinging trip to a bygone era, bringing the audience along for the ride!
Show Information
- Book
- Walton Jones
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1979
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Period, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A studio in WOV Radio, New York City, December, 1942
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Large
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Silent |
Songs
- 1. “(I Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo” – Clifton, Chorus
- 2. “Kalamazoo Playoff” – Instrumental
- 3. “Pepsi Cola” – Neal, B.J., Connie, Ginger (with sounds performed by Lou)
- 4. “Daddy” – Connie, The Band
- 4a. “WOV Station #1” – Choir
- 5. “Love Is Here to Stay” – Johnny
- 6. “Black Magic” – Ann
- 7. “Ain’t She Sweet” – Biff, All
- 7a. “Comedy Routine 1 & 2” – Instrumental
- 8. “How About You?” – B.J., Connie
- 9. “Blue Moon” – Neal
- 10. “Chiquita Banana” – All Girls
- 11. “Rose of the Rio Grande” – Geneva, Men & The Band
- 12. “I’ll Never Smile Again” – Johnny, Quintet (Neal, B.J., Ann, Ginger, Connie)
- 13. “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” – B.J., Connie, Ginger
- 14. “Servel Electrolux” – Instrumental
- 15. “Blues in the Night” – Ginger, Men
- 16. “Jingle Bells” – All (except Johnny)
- 17. “I Got It Bad (and That Ain’t Good)” – Geneva
- 18. “You Go to My Head” – B.J.
- 19. “The Five O’Clock Whistle” – Connie, The Band
- 20. “Mysterious Curtains” – Instrumental
- 21. “WOV Station #2” – Choir
- 22. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – Ann
- 23. “Strike Up the Band” – Full Company
- 24. “I’ll Be Seeing You” – Full Company
- 25. “Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade” – Full Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher