Actors' Summit closed its 2008-08 season with the musical revue "Swingtime Canteen," which opened June 12 and will run through June 29.
The musical is set in a nightclub in London in 1944 and serves as a tribute to both the armed forces and the entertainers who performed for them.
"It's really terrific," said MaryJo Alexander, who directs the show and plays one of the five performers at the nightclub. "The music is delightful to sing."
The story line focuses on Marian Ames (Alexander). The movie executives at MGM want to retire her, but Marian and four other singers and dancers from the Hollywood Canteen to England to entertain the troops. The ensemble also includes Rachel Maria Anderson, Laura Cook, Lisa Marie Schueller and Shani Ferry.
The show features more than 30 vintage classics of the 1940s, including "Swing," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and "Sentimental Journey."
The musical director for the show is Marcia Snavely, who also plays a mean onstage piano. Mark Bussinger plays percussion.
The colorful and patriotic stage includes flags from Great Britain, France and the Unites States, allies in World War II, Alexander said.
"We had to hunt for the 48-star flags," she said.
The audience seemed June 13 to enjoy the show and its medley of 1940s songs.
"It was very nice, very enjoyable," said Sandy Danchuk of North Olmsted. She and her husband, Greg, both said they loved the comic "Don't Fence Me In" number.
"The second act had quite a wallop," said Greg Danchuk. "It was very strong."
Tickets
Tickets are $25 on Fridays and Saturdays, $22 on Thursdays and Sundays.
College students and seniors receive a $2 discount at all regular Thursday and Sunday performances.
Students under age 18 are admitted for half price at all performances.
Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.
Tickets can be purchased on line at www.actorssummit.org or by calling 330-342-0800.
Future plans
Neil Thackaberry, co-artistic director of Actors' Summit, said he planned to announce the theater's 2008-09 lineup in two weeks, but that the theater and its board wants to be certain it also can announce where those shows may be staged.
Last month, the theater was given notice to vacate the space it occupies now by July 31.
"We are continuing to find a way to stay in Hudson," Thackaberry said. "The board is taking care of that duty.
"We are doing everything we can to make sure we can open in September. We are just not sure where."
The theater has looked at several spaces, both inside and outside of Hudson, Thackaberry said, adding that three other communities have approached Actors' Summit about moving out of Hudson. He declined to name the communities while "things were still in negotiations."
"Hudson has been good to us, so we would like to stay here," he said. "We are nothing if not flexible. When we moved here, it was the 10th time we moved. We are used to moving."
E-mail: ahelms@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3153