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Steve Dunkelberger’s theater picks of the week
by Steve Dunkelberger
Dec 20, 2007
radio hour
For a little brain candy, Capital Playhouse’s holiday production, “The 1940’s Radio Hour,” might just be what you need. Far from heavy theater, this show is about a radio station’s Christmas show a year into World War II, at a time when Americans thought it was close to being over. The worst was yet to come, but the hopes of a short war was still in the minds of the greatest generation during the winter of 1942.
This wartime salute to big band music and newly enlisted patriots might not be the sort of show that sticks in your head for years to come, but it is entertainment for the here and now. That’s often just what is required.
[Capital Playhouse, 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $29-$35, 612 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360. 943.2744, www.capitalplayhouse.com]
“operation stardust”
Harlequin Productions is staging its own musical drama set at a radio station during the war years. “Operation Stardust” is a jiving sort of holiday show many folks around the South Sound see every year as the serial show spins through World War II.
[State Theater, through Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 3 p.m. Dec. 15, 22, 7 p.m. Dec. 31, $12-$38, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia, 360.786-.0151, www.harlequinproductions.org]
“the sound of music”
The English language is only so specific when it comes to describing greatness. There is no word to say how entertaining “The Sound of Music” is other than to say wow. Everything goes right with this show. The sets are simple and effective. The singing is energized and plucky. The costumes are movie-set quality, and the acting brings up images of golden statues and long-winded speeches.
[Lakewood Playhouse, through Dec. 23, Jan. 4-13, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $14-22, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd. in the Lakewood Towne Center, off I-5 at Exit 125, 253.588.0042, www.lakewoodplayhouse.org]
