American Theatre Wing Recreates Their Stage Door Canteen at The National World War II Museum 11/6

A recreation of the American Theatre Wing's popular World War II nightclub, the Stage Door Canteen, will open at the National World War II Museum (New Orleans, LA), it was announced. The attraction is part of the museum's extensive expansion project, which will be unveiled Friday, November 6th.

American Theatre Wing Executive Director Howard Sherman commented: "The Stage Door Canteen was certainly the best known of the American Theatre Wing's programs during World War II. It captured the public's imagination, inspiring reams of newspaper and magazine coverage - because after all, if you didn't wear a uniform, you couldn't get in and mingle with the stars. All of us at the Wing are truly gratified that the National World War II Museum has seen fit to make the Stage Door Canteen a permanent attraction, and sustain the legacy of the Canteen and the American Theatre Wing for future generations."

Originally started in March 1942 in the basement of the 44th Street Theatre by the American Theatre Wing and staffed by Broadway performers, the Stage Door Canteen was a place where military personnel came to dance, eat, drink, and hobnob with the stars of Broadway and Hollywood. Lauren Bacall volunteered on Monday nights; actress Helen Hayes served sandwiches while actors Alfred Lunt and Sam Jaffe cleared away the plates. By the time the Canteens closed in 1945 shortly after the end of the war, they were operating in eight US cities, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia and San Francisco and overseas in Paris and London.

In the three and a half years it operated, the Stage Door Canteen had an enormous influence on popular culture, inspiring a weekly radio show on the Columbia Network and a 1943 motion picture, both called "Stage Door Canteen" and produced in association with the American Theatre Wing. These, along with Irvin Berlin's hugely popular war song "I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen," and more help the Canteen's legacy live on today.

The National World War II Museum's new Stage Door Canteen recaptures that excitement and is an ode to the morale-building experience. Patrons will be able to hear the old songs, laugh at the jokes and grab a bite, a soft drink or a cocktail while discovering the sights and sounds of the era. The Museum has created a signature live show entitled "Let Freedom Swing!" which brings to life the songs, humor and spirit of the war era. The musical production will rotate with other live entertainment including jazz, swing dancing, WWII trivia contests, comedy and more. During live performances, the Museum will offer the option for dinner furnished by The American Sector, a Chef John Besh restaurant.

"The National World War II Museum is proud to spotlight the integral role of the Stage Door Canteens in supporting our Armed Services and holding our nation together in those tough times," said Museum President and CEO Dr. Gordon "Nick" Mueller. "It is important for future generations to hear those songs and understand that the music and entertainment of the war years buoyed spirits from the Home Front to the front lines."

The Museum will be opening three new attractions on November 6 as part of their overall expansion plans: The Solomon Victory Theater; The American Sector, a Chef John Besh restaurant; and The Stage Door Canteen. The multi-day grand opening celebration, presented by Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, will include Tom Hanks and Tom Brokaw, veterans and active military, political dignitaries from around the globe, as well as other assorted VIPs.

The American Theatre Wing (Theodore S. Chapin, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Howard Sherman, Executive Director) is best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards®, which it presents annually with The Broadway League. The Wing sponsors many activities, all dedicated to recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre. These programs include "Downstage Center," a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the leading artists and professionals working on stage today; "Working in the Theatre," a weekly television program on CUNY TV which gathers panels of theater artists to discuss their crafts; "In the Wings," a new web series that spotlights theatre's behind-the-scenes talents; "Guides to Careers in the Theatre," a video series developed for schools and libraries; a grants program for New York City not-for-profit theatre companies, which has awarded nearly $3 million since its inception; the Theatre Intern Group, a career development program for young professionals; SpringboardNYC, a two-week college-to-career boot camp for young performers moving to NYC; and the Jonathan Larson® Grants, given annually to honor emerging composers, lyricists and book writers. The expanded offerings of the American Theatre Wing website include "Masters of the Stage" with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and "This is Broadway" with The Broadway League. All ATW media is available on americantheatrewing.org and on iTunes.

For additional information about all American Theatre Wing programs, go to americantheatrewing.org. You can also find the American Theatre Wing on Twitter (www.twitter.com/TheWing).

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world - why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America's National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org.

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