SWING DANCE: Audience to join in on 40s act
By Maria Borri
The audience at The 1940s Radio Swing Dance will be transported to the World War II time period. The production, which will be presented by the IVCC music and theatre departments Dec. 8, allows the audience to watch the radio show as it happens and encourages the audience to participate and dress in the forties era.
Tickets for the production, set for the Hotel Kaskaskia in LaSalle, are currently on sale at the bookstore for $25 a couple and $15 for an individual.
The show will consist primarily of swing dancing. Other highlights of the evening include radio scripts performed live. One comedy routine to be performed is "The Bickersons," a famous radio show of the 1940s that featured Don Ameche and Francis Langford. Music instructor Michael Pecharek explained that this famous married couple was known for their constant fighting and bickering.
Another radio skit on the program is "Who’s on First," a comedy routine made famous by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. The radio mystery show, "The Inner Sanctum" will also be performed.
The program is being presented at the time when the music department has traditionally produced the Madrigal Dinner, which will not be produced this year.
"This dance is completely different from the Madrigal Dinner," Pecharek said.
"The reason why I am doing this show is for the students," he continued. "The students can be a part of this production instead of sitting there and watching it."
Pecharek added that "The swing dance is coming back allowing a better chance of participation."
The band and choir for the program consist of professionals from the Illinois Valley area, three band members from IVCC and one choir student.
"I am hoping to have more students play in the band next year," Pecharek said.
The numbers to be performed include "Embraceable You," and "Unforgettable."
The show can be described as environmental theater, according to Pecharek.
"The cast will stay in character and things will happen simultaneously," he explained. "The evening will start with people pretending to actually get on the air. The live entertainment allows the audience to watch the show as it happens."
Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available.
Producers of the show, in addition to Pecharek, are Karry Baracani-Halblieb, an IVCC theatre department alumni and Dr. David Kuester, theatre director.