The National WW 2 Museum has hit gold with their latest theatrical offering, now in its last week. The Stage Door Canteen’s “The Andrews Brothers” is a two hour rollicking ride down memory lane blending slapstick humor, dance and delightful music. Created by Roger Bean, this light-hearted juke box musical offer over 25 musical numbers made famous USO sweethearts the Andrews Sisters.
Victoria Reed along with choreographer, Ford Haueser has delivered a winning show that keeps the audience singing along from the start. The premise is simple, the Andrews Sisters are set to headline for some troops shipping out for combat the following day. But as fate would have it, the stars of the show fall ill and are quarantined. Cue the ensuing madcap antics form the three high strung stage managers who also happen to be brothers trying to be a part of the war effort any way they know how since their physical limitations do not allow them to see combat. Enter one a beautiful and resourceful pin-up girl and you have a show.
The first half does start off a little slow, but picks up momentum with the “Hula Ba Luau” number that sets up the second act. Before you know it, brothers Max, Lawrence and Patrick give new meaning to the term the show-must-go-on and don full drag, heels and all to give the men a grand send-off. Peggy Jones is the pin-up girl and opening act who aids the boys in fulfilling their dream to perform on stage for the USO, not to mention she is the drag mother (sorry about the analogy) of these military singers.
The ensemble cast is excellent working as a cohesive unit flawlessly performing at many times very physical. These four talented actors are Brian Paul Falgoust (Max), Rich Arnold (Lawrence) and Clint Johnson (Patrick) and Courtney Boe (Peggy). The music is magical as you reminisce with “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Slow Boat to China,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” and “Ac-cent-u-ate the Positive.”
Final performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 8, 2014. We went for the brunch show and I highly recommend the entire dinner and show experience. The food was delicious and the entertainment top rate. For ticket or show information, go to www.stagedoorcanteen.org or call 504-528-1943.