"Boogie Woogie Boys Kick Up Their Heels in Hit Parade"

***3 1/2 Stars!***

(out of possible 4)

by A.K. Whitney

World War II was a long, tragic and terrible time for millions.  But the era also produced some amazing music, from hummable ballads to danceable big band to heartfelt anthems still enjoyed more than 60 years later. 

Roger Bean's new jukebox musical, "The Andrews Brothers" takes full advantage of the fact, offering up to 27 vintage hits, some more familiar than others. 

He hangs the numbers on a thin yet affable plot: Three USO stagehands with the same last name get a chance to shine when the top billing can't make it.  The Andrews Sisters are supposed to entertain the troops in the Pacific the night before the troops ship out.  But they get sick, so it's up to Lawrence, Max and Patrick, the Andrews "brothers," with a few wigs, some makeup and a lot of hope that the boys in the audience are blind, to make the show go on.  They get a lot of help and encouragement from the loveley opening act, Peggy Jones.  But will they pull it off?

Musical Theatre West opened the West Coast premiere production last weekend at the Carpenter Center. On opening night, musical director John Glaudini conducted a powerhouse band, full of brass and attitude. 

Nick DeGruiccio ably directed his cast, who worked together seamlessly.  This is not surprising, since the boys - David Engel as Max, Stan Chandler as Lawrence and Larry Raben as Patrick - have worked together before, mainly in the equally small gem "Forever Plaid".

Darcie Roberts has her work cut out for her breaking into this brotherhood, but did very well.  Roberts had the lead in MTW's recent "Pajama Game",  but she really gets a chance to sing in this show.  Her showstoppers include "I Wanna Be Loved" and "On a Slow Boat to China".

The boys, of course, do fine as well.  Raben's Patrick is saddled with a stutter, but Raben never overplays it, letting his character gain confidence as the show goes on.  He is very good on "Breathless" and "Mairzy
Doats." Chandler is fun as the legally blind, bad at lyrics Lawrence, and has a blast in drag.  Engel, an MTW stalwart, is a bit out of his range in "Peggy the Pinup Girl", but marvelous in "Corns for My Country".

All three engage in considerable amounts of slapstick, particularly when the skirts go on, and show impeccable timing.

Male patrons sitting in the first two rows should beware, for the hilarious "Six Jerks in a Jeep" involves audience participation.  and if you think that means getting greateful kisses at the end from a girl, you'd be right, only the girl likely will have razor stubble.

A.K. Whitney is a Los Angeles freelance writer.