Review: The 1940s Radio Hour Brings Holiday Charm From a Bygone Era

Theatre Raleigh is bringing a dose of festive spirit this holiday season with their production of The 1940s Radio Hour. Directed by Julia Murney and set at New York City’s WOV radio station for the final holiday broadcast of the year, the production is set on December 21, 1942 and weaves together holiday songs and music from the American Songbook to create a production full of charm from a bygone era.

Susan Jordan Shank

The production opens on the radio station as the staff trickles in, prepping for their live broadcast that evening. Smooth jazz plays overhead as they casually go about their evening, perfectly content to be alone together. Lou (Susan Jordan Shank) scurries about as performers and musicians pop in and out, keeping them in line with a sharp wit as she grows more and more frantic as the broadcast approaches. This chaotic sense of urgency is matched by station manager Clifton (played tonight by Greg Laux) as he comes dangerously close to a full meltdown as the minutes tick down.

Together, they serve as a sharp contrast to Pops (David Bartlett), whose grumpy grandpa energy helps bring a comedic and calming presence to the stage. Adored by all, his prickly exterior melts away throughout the broadcast, proving no one is immune to holiday love and charm.

The broadcast is led by a group of core performers, each bringing their own personality to the station. As the holiday broadcast starts, they each get a chance to show off as they perform musical numbers from music’s past throughout the broadcast hour, bringing a sprinkle of holiday cheer and early wartime optimism.

A.C. Donohue

First up is A.C. Donohue in the role of Ginger as she brings a sort of diva flair, flitting around the stage with a flirtatious smile and perfectly timed comedic snark. Her number “Blues in the Night” is her shining moment as she commands the room, giving a performance that is a little bit sexy, a little bit growly, and a little bit bluesy, proving she is more than just a comedic actor.

Becky Layko is darling as the doe-eyed Connie, flouncing into the room with her bouncy curls and Christmas red hair ribbon. Her sweet innocence and flawless dance talent are the perfect match for Melvin Gray, Jr. in the role of BJ as their adorable relationship takes center stage in the number “How About You?” with choreography from Tristian André.

Melvin Gray, Jr. (left) and Becky Layko

From the moment Gray takes the stage, he steals the show. His infectious smile and jaw-dropping dancing light up the room, bringing an electric charm to his performance. But it is not until his number “You Go to My Head” that he proves he’s got the vocal talent to match. Exuding showmanship, his silky voice and dance talent are reminiscent of Corbin Bleu in his musical theater performances.

In comparison to BJ and Connie’s sweet innocence, Ellie Barone brings a calming maturity and sophistication to her role as Ann. Bringing a Judy Garland-esque throatiness to her performance, she sings with an unwavering sweetness in her heartfelt rendition of holiday classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Her rich voice captivates her audience as she fills the room with holiday cheer.

Hunter Taylor is darling as the nervous, dweeby Wally as Wally prepares to step in at the last minute and make his radio debut. While his number “Blue Moon” starts out soft and nervous, he quickly grows in confidence, seamlessly blending with the great crooners of music’s past. When combined with the women’s angelic harmonies, the effect is utterly endearing.

Hunter Taylor (left) and Ellie Barone

Wally may be jittery and afraid, but Geneva (Soraiah Williams) certainly isn’t. She waltzes into the room with an assured confidence, commanding the room with her rendition of “Rose of the Rio Grande.” Jazzy and snappy, Williams brings her own flirtatious grin as she charms the room with a sparkly, snarky attitude.

Adam Poole

Biff (Keagan Kermode) and Johnny (Adam Poole) round out the broadcast performers. Biff is a newly enlisted soldier heading off to war, and his number “Ain’t She Sweet” with Ginger and Geneva is full of the toe-tapping rhythms we’ve come to associate with the 1940s. While Biff is reserved and shy, Johnny is full of suave, flirtatious charm, and his number “I’ll Never Smile Again” is soft and romantic.

When put together, The 1940s Radio Hour has managed to bottle holiday spirit. Bright and chipper, the radio show visual is quite effective, right down to Lou providing the radio sound effects by hand in front of the audience.

The 1940s Radio Hour runs at Theatre Raleigh through December 24 and runs one hour and forty five minutes without intermission.

All photo credit to Jennifer Robertson