Review: A 1940's RADIO VARIETY SHOW Featuring CASABLANCA Looks Back

By: Aug. 14, 2016
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This weekend the Montevallo Main Street Players present A 1940's RADIO VARIETY SHOW, featuring CASABLANCA.

Upon entering the theatre there was already music being performed by JQ's One Man Big Band. It was a nice way to start the evening. Jim Quakenbush played a trumpet and sang with a track behind him not only to warm up the crowd, but throughout the show.

The first act was indeed a variety show with dancers, singers, a harmonica player, skit and commercials, all based off a 1940's script performed on radio for the troops overseas during WW II.

Several acts of note were the dancers from Dance Et Cetera, Jim Simpson on the harmonica and an "Andrews sisters" type trio of singers who were so authentic as they sang "Sentimental Journey" that I kept wondering if they were lip syncing. The talented trio consisted of Hester Maginnis, Connie Reynolds and Pam Sapp.

BWW award winner Dianna Murphree, who sang "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" And "Red Hot Henrietta Brown" stole the show, as usual. As director Jenny Wheeler said to me after the show, "There is nothing that this woman (Murphree) can't do!"

The act closed with a recording of a war report and message from Dwight D. Eisenhower performed by Gabe Evans, "God Bless America" sung by Charlie Ann Grimes and a dance performed to the trio singing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

Act two was a radio style version of CASABLANCA, which surprisingly drew me in and kept my interest. Abby Wheeler as Ilsa and Gabe Evans as Rick were stand outs in this cast, although all did a nice job. Commercials between the three short acts of CASABLANCA were performed by Ms. Murphree and the delightful Frances Pope.

With an authentic 1940's radio station set and Dwight Barrows handling the Foley work, the show was fast paced and fun.

With only two more chances to see this show, August 13 at 7:30 and August 14 at 2, I would say if you want to step back to a simpler time call 665-9207, extension 6 for reservations. Although there was a good crowd Friday night, I would think you could take the chance and just head to Montevallo for a fun night out.



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