Walton Jones' nostalgic musical revisits classic songs and dances of the titular era. The 16-piece orchestra performing under Daniel Gary Busby's music direction gives the musical the big-band sound that energizes the whole production. Christopher Beyries' set design also provides a perfect backdrop on the large stage for the comedy and patriotism that accompanies any story set in wartime.
The show presents a panoply of stereotypes, but it's all right because they're the stock characters of movies and theater of the times. The story opens with hearty stage manager Pops Bailey (Harrison White) calling his bookie and readying the stage as the performers arrive. There's Clifton Feddington (Sam Zeller), the slightly hysterical announcer and general manager of station WOV in New York. Ginger Brooks (the delightfully comic Misty Cotton) embodies the not-so-smart singer with a dynamite voice. Geneva Lee Browne (Karole Foreman) is a sassy, sultry singer in the style of Lena Horne, and Johnny Cantone (Christopher Newell) serves as a dreamy heartthrob. Ann Collier (Kim Arnett) is the gal band vocalist, and Connie Miller (Hannah Simmons) and B.J. Gibson (Estevan Valdes) are a cute singing-and-dancing duo. Lou Cohn (Richard Israel) acts as soundman and performer, and Biff Baker (Ryland Dodge) is uniform-clad, ready to ship out after the broadcast. Wally Ferguson (Dane Biren) is an ambitious wannabe performer.
The music doesn't disappoint, and the ensemble is uniformly terrific. Among audience pleasers are "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and a very authentic Chiquita banana commercial. Christa Armendariz's costumes also add color and personality to the show.
Director Stephanie A. Coltrin keeps it fun and light, but she also recognizes that elements of the show are as timely today as in the 1940s. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "I'll Be Seeing You" set just the right mood of sentiment and sincerity.
Perhaps no other era has had so much exposure to young and old alike, so this production can be familiar territory for most audiences. It is bright, well executed, and serves as a cheery addition to holiday theatrical offerings.
Presented by Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. Dec. 4–19. Tue.–Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m. (310) 372-4477. www.civiclightopera.com.