[NEohioPAL] The Andrews Brothers review by April Helms

[Marie Dusini]

The Andrews Brothers at WRP
 
'Brothers' fun trip down memory lane 
August 2, 2009

by April Helms

Special Products Editor

Watching "The Andrews Brothers" at Western Reserve Playhouse must be somewhat akin to watching a USO show during World War II -- a U.S.O. with a few comic twists and turns, but also packed with many songs from the era.

The musical is the story of how three brothers, along with American sweetheart Peggy Jones, attempt to pull off a World War II era USO show after the more famous trio is unable to perform.

The songs in the revue include "Rosie the Riveter," "On a Slow Boat to China," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Six Jerks in a Jeep" and "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree."

Lt. Colonel Doug Ely, who serves on the Board of the USO in Cleveland, attended the July 26 show and said "The Andrews Brothers" would be a hit with the troops.

"You can take this show and not change a thing," Ely said. "They would go nuts. The second half, it's guys who go around in dresses, which is funny no matter where you go. It's a funny show."

Ely added he would be recommending this show to other members of the USO.

"It's our first time we've come," said Claudia Lutz of Stow. "I'm happy to see a nice group of talented people. This is very enjoyable."

"The Andrews Brothers" went off very smoothly, despite some setbacks. Director Mark Zimmerman said that about two weeks before the show was initially supposed to open, he had to recast two of the players.

"They had two and a half weeks of rehearsal," Zimmerman said. "There is so much music in this show, and it's all tight Andrews Sisters harmonies. Thankfully we were able to get four talented singers on the show. It's been a blessing."

The new cast members, Chris Bozeka and Will Hamilton, blended in well nicely with the two original cast members Kareem Browne and Valerie Senn Langenfeld. Indeed, the audience would never know the show was pulled together so quickly.

Ticket and show information

Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday; the Sunday , August 9th show is at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. Group rates available upon request, and the theater is handicap accessible.

Call 330-620-7314 for reservations or details.

During the run of the show, which runs through Aug. 9, the theater will accept donations for the USO, said Marie Dusini of Western Reserve Playhouse. On the first two nights of the show, about $300 was donated by patrons, she added.

The USO and the USO logo are registered trademarks of the United States Organizations, Inc. While their use in this performance is permitted, no proceeds from tickets sales benefit USO programs.

The theater is at 3326 Everett Road near Revere Road on the Bath/Richfield township lines.






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