Theatre Review:  “EVENT NEWS”

“THE ANDREWS BROTHERS” … Glowing Tribute to Music That Got The Great Generation Through WWII

By: Joseph Sirota

With three of the most talented West Coast “GUY” musical comedy pros and an equally sizzling “GAL” headliner, this West Coast premiere of Roger Bean’s joyful bundle of WWII musical memories, “THE ANDREWS BROTHERS” is sure to please. Thanks to my parents prudent timing, I didn’t appear on the scene until “the coast was clear”, and WWII was over. By then, most of the great songs revisited in this sweet comic valentine to the era had already helped our country (and allies) keep their spirits up during darkly scary times. But there’s a timeless Americana quality here, with most songs now deemed treasured “standards”. The comedy is “warmhearted” and the singing/dancing “hot” and without exception, well done. This solid Musical Theatre West production, now at Long Beach’s grand Carpenters Performance Arts Center, particularly celebrates the Andrew Sisters’(Patty, Maxine & LaVerne) unique, jumpin’/jivin’ brassy but fun takes on USO favorites-- that made them “America’s Wartime Sweethearts”.

The plot is a bit thin, but likable and propelled ably by the embedded (show within a show) terrific singing, dancing and delivery. The lighthearted story centers on three thoroughly talented, but even more thoroughly “unknown” USO stagehands volunteering to help the wartime cause despite being 4-F for Asthma, Eyesight and Flatfeet, respectively. “Belated measles” cause the beloved ANDREW SISTERS to miss their Pacific Island USO appearance, long awaited by the stationed GI’s about to face battle. But, Hooray! Our stagehands hilariously become cross-dressing understudies— getting their One-Big-Chance to show their stuff and not let those brave GI’s go into battle disappointed or unentertained. Surprise! a great time is had by all – the GI’s, the three stagehands, and Peggy the young emerging Gal singer who was supposed to get her stage break too, backing up the real Andrew Sisters. In fact, Peggy not only gets to shine on stage, but also meets the unlikely shy guy of her dreams – a stagehand.

Making this show extra special is the combination of great 1940's music, the cast’s four fine performers and the quality music and creative production teams. The cast’s three great Guy stars are no strangers or newbies to L.A., Hollywood, O.C. audiences (nor to the east coast, either). David Engel, Larry Raben, Stan Chandler are probably most lovingly known for their brilliant work as three of the four “FOREVER PLAID” (and “PLAID TIDINGS”)  stars -- masters of both close-harmony extraordinaire and all-star comedic genius. However, their impressive other musical comedy (and more) credits could fill multiple reviews, proudly. Darcie Roberts shows she can hold her own and impress in this top-notch company and that her mastery of vocals, dance and comedic/romantic acting is right there in the star-quality league. Director Nick Degruccio, Choreographer Roger Costellano and Musical Director John Glaudini ensured onstage excellence. Kevin Clowes’ Scenic Design, Steven Young’s Lighting, Julie Ferrin’s Sound and Debbie Roberts’ Costumes further ensured the audience’s closing standing ovation was well earned.

Here’s a sample of the swinging musical highlights featured: "Beat Me Daddy, Eight, to the Bar", "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.", "Rosie the Riveter", "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön”, "Stuff Like That There”, "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" ,  "The Hut-Sut Song," "Mairzy Doats”, "Shoo Shoo Baby" and "Rum and Coca Cola”. Audience applause-winning versions of “I Wanna Be Loved”, “Slow Boat to China” and “I’m Breathless,” added to the memorable musical evening. With some wild and woolly comedy cleverness plus the “boys and Darcie’s all-pro performances even a fairly predictable plot that takes a bit too long to get the excitement started doesn’t derail the grand time in store for all ages that the whole evening turns out to be. So, even if you never saw the original Andrew Sisters in all their dynamic glory, way back when, you’ll still get a kick (and a tap and some great harmony and plentiful laughs) from “THE ANDREWS BROTHERS”.

--- “THE ANDREWS BROTHERS” makes the classy joint jump at the Carpenters Performing Arts Center– 6200 Atherton St, Long Beach. Showtimes:Thur-Fri-Sat Evenings @ 8:PM and Sat-Sun Matinees @ 2:PM. Closes: May 4  (2:PM) Tickets: $25-$53. Phone: (562) 856-1999. Website: www.musical.org