ICTC Rolls Back the Clock in '1940s Radio Hour'

The 1940's were an era of Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, World War II, and most importantly, the radio. It was a time when America gathered around the family radio after dinner to hear the latest antics of their favorite radio variety show, or just sat and relaxed as Frank Sinatra seemingly gave a private performance in their very own living room.

The Irish Classical Theatre Company's current production of "1940's Radio Hour," on stage at the Sphere Entertainment Complex, offers a taste of the era. Written by Walton Jones and directed by Greg Natale, "Radio Hour" has the power to transport any audience to another time in America.

The musical places the audience in New York City, at a radio studio of the 1940's, watching a production of the radio variety show "The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade." A flashing "applause" sign and a bright "on air" sign immediately offers the atmosphere of a real radio studio, keeping the audience involved the entire time.

The high, black ceilings of the Sphere are adorned with large glowing globular paper lanterns. The stage is plastered with posters and paraphernalia of 40's pop culture. Costumer Geraldine Duskin's classic style dresses, as well as the old-fashioned microphones, complete the show's design concept to create an incredibly nostalgic atmosphere.

Just down the street from Irish Classical's own Andrews Theatre, the change of venue fits perfectly with this unorthodox musical.

"1940's Radio Hour" could be considered different because it doesn't use music to narrate the story of the play directly, like such musicals as "Les Miserables," "Rent" or "Jesus Christ Superstar." Instead, it tells a story about a time in America using the music and commercial jingles of that era to supplement the narrative. In the end, a very complete picture of the era is revealed.

Michael Civisca leads the cast, playing Johnny Cantone, a Sinatra-like singer with a smooth, smoky voice and an appetite for scotch and cigarettes. Civisca's sharp tuxedo and incredible voice unmistakably evokes thoughts of the "rat pack," and remind the audience why he's a nationally known recording artist earning critical acclaim.

Monica Stankewicz, who plays Ann Collier, gave another standout musical performance. Stankewicz's velvety voice is felt deep inside when belted out, adding rich character to Collier's classiness. On stage, she clearly has the admiration and respect of the other characters on the radio show, a trend that probably continues off stage as well.

Mary McMahon and Thomas LaChuisa, playing Ginger Brooks and Neal Tilden, provide comedic relief and a lot of talent. Ginger's moves on the dance floor can't help but elicit smiles, and her sassy but gentle attitude make her a character the audience loves by the end.

If LaChuisa looks familiar to audiences, it could be attributed to the fact that he has appeared in major motion pictures "Ransom," "The Siege" and "If Lucy Fell". He can be consistently counted on for a good laugh.

One recent graduate of UB's theater program and two current theater students of UB are also featured in this great ensemble cast, and while their limited professional experience was noticeable, they still gave solid performances.

Graduate Nicole Formato, in her role as Connie Miller, gave the strongest performance of the three UB affiliates. Formato proved to be well taught by UB's theater department, demonstrating a beautiful voice and great dancing ability. She performs a solo tap dance and an intense swing number with senior theater student Nick Catania. The two had some of the best chemistry on stage, and one is left to wonder why the two weren't cast together as a pair.

Instead, Connie Miller's mismatched lover was B.J. Gibson, a young soldier about to be sent off to war, played by UB theater student Jeffrey J. Coyle. Coyle towered over Miller on stage and the chemistry between the two characters simply was not present. Coyle gave a good performance, but Catania would have been perfect for the role.

While Catania's and Coyle's respective performances were solid, the play would have run smoother had the romance been more believable, and each actor's talent would have been better exhibited if only their roles were reversed.

Even with a small casting glitch, the cast of "1940's Radio Hour" turned in a great performance. Constant action on all parts of the stage and great music from the 40's ensured that there was never a dull moment.

The beautifully designed set and theatre created a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sitting back with a drink while being carried away to a different era of music and media.