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The 1940's Radio Hour

Saratoga Drama Group

January 26-February 16, 2008

Avg. Event Rating (4.7 Stars): Add Review/Comment

A different time is evoked in this marvelously theatrical and winning show, a live broadcast of The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade from the Hotel Astor's Algonquin Room on December 21, 1942. The spirit of that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant Strike Up The Band and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy is accurately captured as the harassed producer copes with a drunk lead singer, the delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the mic, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad, and the trumpet playing sounds effects man who chooses a fight plane over Glenn Miller.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $9-$31.50

  Info Phone: 408-266-4SDG (4734)

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  January 26-February 16, 2008

  Times:
  Thurs 2/7: 8pm
  Fri-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2:30pm

• Venue Info

  Saratoga Civic Theater

  13777 Fruitvale Ave. Saratoga, CA 95070

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access
  • Assisted Listening System

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "What a treat!"
    Review posted by: Harold Johns from Sunnyvale, Feb 10, 2008
    

    What a treat this show was. The set is exactly as you would imagine a run-down radio studio to look like. The costumes were true to the 40's, even the ushers were costumed and selling cookies and... Expand

    What a treat this show was. The set is exactly as you would imagine a run-down radio studio to look like. The costumes were true to the 40's, even the ushers were costumed and selling cookies and water in the audience. Even the background music playing on the radio on stage was from the 40's. At one point you can even hear the announcer mention New Year's Eve. A real plus was to be able to hear and understand everything. When I see shows from the other group in this theater everything seems muffled and hard to understand. Don't miss this one! Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "Thoroughly Enjoyable"
    Review posted by: AnneMarie from San Jose, CA USA, Feb 09, 2008
    

    This is one of my favorite shows. I saw it the first time when the Rep did it and I've seen one other local production. I've enjoyed them all but this was my favorite. I'm not certain why except it... Expand

    This is one of my favorite shows. I saw it the first time when the Rep did it and I've seen one other local production. I've enjoyed them all but this was my favorite. I'm not certain why except it was a thorougly enjoyable experience. I'd have a hard time choosing which number or which cast member I thought was the best because I loved them all. It was a wonderful evening! Thank you! Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "Great show! Great Cast! Great time!"
    Review posted by: Jeff M Newsom from Los Gatos, CA, Feb 08, 2008
    

    Everything about this show was terrific! It was a great experience and different from any musical theater my wife or I have ever seen. Besides the great 40's music, I especially enjoyed all of the... Expand

    Everything about this show was terrific! It was a great experience and different from any musical theater my wife or I have ever seen. Besides the great 40's music, I especially enjoyed all of the relationships between the cast that were taking place as the show progressed. Especially enjoyable was Nicholas Adams as the young delivery boy/would be star and Tim Reynolds as the wanna be crooner. We felt as if we had taken a time machine to the 40's. This is a must see! Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "Not your typical musical, but definitely well worth seeing!"
    Review posted by: Brad Wetmore from Sunnyvale, CA, Feb 08, 2008
    

    The whole format was so different from most shows. Without giving anything away, I would really recommend getting there at least 20 minutes early to really get the whole effect. Don't completely bury... Expand

    The whole format was so different from most shows. Without giving anything away, I would really recommend getting there at least 20 minutes early to really get the whole effect. Don't completely bury yourself in your program until "curtain", be sure to watch what's going on around you. I'm already looking forward to next season. Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "Who is"
    Review posted by: Marcus from San Jose, CA, Feb 08, 2008
    

    I guess this is one of the bad things about anonymous reviews-- one person with a very harsh review can start to lower the overall rating of a fantastic show! What roles are "miscast"? I loved... Expand

    I guess this is one of the bad things about anonymous reviews-- one person with a very harsh review can start to lower the overall rating of a fantastic show! What roles are "miscast"? I loved the cast, as did everyone around me the night I saw the show. I've seen every SDG production for the past 10 years, and this is absolutely one of the finest. I wish I could rate it 10 stars to bring it back up to the high score it deserves! Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "Who are the people writing these reviews?"
    Review posted by: Gregory from Cupertino, CA, Feb 07, 2008
    

    Don't believe these shills! I saw this show on Friday and it one of SDG's weaker efforts. The biggest problem is that so many of the roles are miscast. Even the scenery is ugly, which is unusual for... Expand

    Don't believe these shills! I saw this show on Friday and it one of SDG's weaker efforts. The biggest problem is that so many of the roles are miscast. Even the scenery is ugly, which is unusual for SDG. Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "5 Stars Not Enough"
    Review posted by: Taps for Fun from San Jose, Feb 03, 2008
    

    On a scale of 1 to 5, this is a 10 star show. It was exellent in every way. I especially enjoyed the choreograpby and the dancing.

    On a scale of 1 to 5, this is a 10 star show. It was exellent in every way. I especially enjoyed the choreograpby and the dancing.

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "Don't miss this delightful show!"
    Review posted by: Lori Schroeder from San Jose, CA, Jan 31, 2008
    

    I can't say enough good things about this production. From the extraordinarily talented cast to the beautiful sets, lighting, costumes and authentic sound effects-- everything is top notch. Saratoga... Expand

    I can't say enough good things about this production. From the extraordinarily talented cast to the beautiful sets, lighting, costumes and authentic sound effects-- everything is top notch. Saratoga Drama Group continues a tradition of excellence! Congratulations to director C Michael Traw and producer Lucy Haab-- you have another winner! Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "What a wonderful show!"
    Review posted by: M. Channing from Santa Clara, CA, Jan 31, 2008
    

    I took my granddaughter, so she could see what I enjoyed as entertainment when I was her age. She loved the commercials and comedy routines, as well as the upbeat music. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip... Expand

    I took my granddaughter, so she could see what I enjoyed as entertainment when I was her age. She loved the commercials and comedy routines, as well as the upbeat music. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip down memory lane. Collapse

  • Event Name: The 1940's Radio Hour
    "Charming, especially for senior citizens"
    Review posted by: Brett Bayne from Los Angeles, CA, Jan 30, 2008
    

    This is a musical revue with only the thinnest thread of a story holding it together. It is highly recommended for grandma and grandpa, who will instantly recognize the many songs and jingles,... Expand

    This is a musical revue with only the thinnest thread of a story holding it together. It is highly recommended for grandma and grandpa, who will instantly recognize the many songs and jingles, although the music has a timeless appeal and is enjoyable for all ages. The cast does a fine job; particularly appealing are doe-eyed Megan Haley (who sings "Daddy" a trifle too convincingly), scene-stealer Kevin Cornelius, and Saratoga veteran Karen DeHart, a gifted comedienne with a voice that'll knock you off your feet. The show is presented without an intermission; things move along so quickly that you won't miss it. Collapse

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