Show relives the 40's 'Swing Era'
By Aimie Pizano
IVCC's Theatre and Music Department will again be presenting a 1940's Swing Dance on Dec. 7 at the Oglesby Elks Lodge.
The performance will include classic comedy and mystery radio routines as well as 1940's advertising, music and a swing dance performance.
The program includes routines such as "Our Miss Brooks," "Fibber, Magee and Molly," "The Pinkerton Man" and "Freddy and Tolula."
"Fibber, Magee and Molly" is a Thanksgiving related part. Since the show is close to the Thanksgiving season, director Norm Engstrom thought it would be nice to include. What makes the routine especially funny is a love scene between a turkey and a frog, he said.
Engstrom said he tried to keep in mind the children who will be attending the co-op show on Dec. 3 and 4 when he selected the material to include.
"I listened to about 15-20 different tapes of 1940's acts," Engstrom said.
He chose "The Pinkerton Man" not only for the detective story line but also for a contrast from last years show and because it was easy to understand.
Since Dec. 7 is also Pearl Harbor day, there will be a special surprise guest appearance. "Come out and have fun and dance," said Engstrom.
Audience members are encouraged to dress in 40's attire to join in with the performers in the spirit of the evening.
The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a swing dance performance offered before the show.
Tickets, available in the bookstore, are $15 for an individual and $20 for a couple. Hot and cold Appetizers will be served during the evening and a cash bar will be available.
This year the 1940's Radio Swing Show will be presented at the Oglesby Elks Lodge instead of the Hotel Kaskaskia, where last year’s show was performed, because the hotel has closed. Engstrom said there was also more room for the performance at the Elks.