"A RADIO CHRISTMAS SHOW" ON STAGE TONIGHT

Posted on November 10, 2010

Cal U’s Department of Music will re-create a World War II-era holiday broadcast when it presents A Radio Christmas Show Nov. 19, 21 and 22 on the campus in California, Pa.

Set in Cal’s WCAL studio in December 1944, this 90-minute musical revue captures the feel of a live radio program. The “studio audience” will sample a complete day of programming reminiscent of a time when everyone in the country was behind the war effort and radio stations were determined to do their part.

Three performances will be held in Morgan Hall Auditorium. Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Nov. 19 and Nov. 22, and 3 p.m. Nov. 21.

Ticket price is $10 at the door; Cal U students are admitted free with a valid CalCard. The program features an on-air soap opera and game show. Musical numbers include “Baby It's Cold Outside," "Count Your Blessings/White Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Santa Baby," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and many other holiday favorites.

“This is good old-fashioned entertainment inspired by our greatest generation,” said the show’s director, Dr. Yugo Ikach, who also leads the University Choir.

“Our students have worked very hard, and they are falling in love with music of the 1940s. No doubt our audience will, too.”

The show is written by Gary Latshaw, of Latshaw Productions, with contributing author Lisa Klein and musical arrangements by Russ Shively.
   
The cast includes host Glenn Ferring (played by student Robert Nelson), stage manager (Tim Evans), his comedic news anchorman (Shane Brown), Windy the weather girl (Natalie Palombini), reporter Bill Drake (Adam Sutch), and studio singers and dancers. Other cast members who play multiple roles are Taylor Hackley, Kristen Ross, Rosanna Paterra, Paige Williams, Devin Phillis and Daniel Plumley.