Photo Flash: California Theatre of the Performing Arts Presents IN THE MOOD

IN THE MOOD is a phenomenon among touring shows. This show is for all ages - even the young kids who love to swing dance flock to see IN THE MOOD. If you have never heard a big band before, this is the one to see. "The arrangements for the String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and the In the Mood Singers and Dancers are as authentic as it gets as the sounds of the big bands, the vocal groups, solos and swing dance numbers ring out with the same kind of 1940's feel that IN THE MOOD has strived for during the sixteen years we have been touring."

The In the Mood Singers and Dancers features the dance team of Christina Caplan and Paul Saylor, as well as 4 vocalists including a husband-wife team, Jason and Adriana Campbell, Kelly Jakiel and AJ Converse. In addition, the sensational String of Pearls Orchestra features musicians from all over the country that know how to play this great American music that is part of us all.

Much more than a concert, IN THE MOOD is a Big Band Theatrical Swing Revue. The show was conceived by Washington, D.C.'s musical producer Bud Forrest. It's the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and other greats of the 1940's. Featuring a company of 19 on stage, the show's music arrangements, costumes and choreography are as authentic as it gets! Many of the musical arrangements were written by Vic Schoen, the conductor and arranger for The Andrews Sisters and Music Director for both Universal and Paramount Pictures.

IN THE MOOD takes a retro look at the life and time of America's greatest generation. This was a generation where everyone listened and danced to the same style of music which ranged from up-tempo big band rhythms to mellow intimate ballads, and set a mood that inspired a future filled with hope, promise and prosperity. This was a time like no other in our Nation's history, a time when music moved the Nation's spirit and helped win a war. Come experience the swing, rhythm, jazzy, brassy, sentimental and romantic music of this important time.

IN THE MOOD began as a celebration of an unusual era in American music, the 1940's...the Swing Era. On radio, in theaters and ballrooms, the Big Bands were drawing record crowds. Vocal groups and soloists sang a repertory of great songs, and for the last time in the 20th century, the entire country shared a common popular music. This body of song did much to sustain national morale during World War II, the pivotal event of the 40's.

The National Archives in Washington, DC brought IN THE MOOD to their audiences as part of their commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of WWII, and the response was extraordinary, with crowds lining up for hours before curtain time. The engagement was twice extended to extra performances.

In 1993, the Archives presented a repeat performance, out-of-doors on Constitution Avenue. Thousands attended, and many stayed to dance the night away. As a result, IN THE MOOD, in affiliation with the USO, began a series of tours, which played to audiences across the United States during the 50th Commemoration of WWII. The show's association with the National Archives and the USO was altogether appropriate, for much of the underpinning research was drawn from resources of these national organizations. Since then, IN THE MOOD has visited Europe and in 1997, the band and singers were selected to be part of the entertainment for the 53rd Presidential Inauguration Ball for President and Mrs. Bill Clinton. Following the 2009/2010 National Tour, IN THE MOOD will be touring Australia, September-October 2010. Touring since 1994, the show's upcoming national and international performances will continue to portray the spirit of the music that moved the nation.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA THEATRE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS

The historical California Theatre in the heart of the revitalized downtown San Bernardino plays a major role in providing quality performing arts to the Inland Empire area.

Originally built as a 1928 Vaudeville and Movie Palace, it has, over the years, played host to all of the major stage and screen stars. Will Rogers made his final stage appearance at the California Theatre.

Currently the California Theatre serves as the performance home for Theatrical Arts International, producing top quality musicals, plays and host to several touring companies, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, the Sinfonia Mexicana and Inland Dance Theatre, Inc.
Photo credit: IN THE MOOD

 

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