Would you like a view of a simpler time? A time when violence was left to the U.S. Army and joy was spread across the waves of the radio? If this is you, then the “1940s Radio Hour,” is right up your ally daddy-o.

Guys, grab your kittens and cruise to the Student Center Stage on campus and have a swinging good time at “1940s Radio Hour.”

Dates still left for this play are May 5, with dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m, and May 6, when the show is a matinee and brunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 2 p.m.

This play is an amusing romp about the preparation of a 1940’s Radio Show and how the show went down. Throughout the show you must remember that television was not yet in common use and that back in the 40s families would sit next to their radios to hear programs. Scary isn’t it? It was like turning on television and having you’re eyes closed. Imagination was needed and this comedic play certainly is imaginative.

The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade is the weekly variety show put on by the performers in WWII era New York. The plot revolves around the happenings in the studio of WOV. Props Bailey (Bernard Montgomery) is sardonic, angry and funny as he answers phones and puts up with the problems of the performers.

Wally Ferguson, a dopey delivery boy with dreams of getting a chance to perform, was played to a comedic brilliance by Christopher Alvardo. Wally’s interaction with Pops is particularly entertaining.

Johnny Catone (Joshua Barron) is a skirt-chasing singer with alcohol problems and a chip on his shoulder. He plans to move to Hollywood to become a big star like his friend Frank Sinatra. Waiting for him to leave and showcasing some classic moron humor is Neal Tiden (played to perfection by Edward Lucas). Very entertaining as well is Lou Cohn (David Carreiro), who bestows scornful snide comments to his co-workers but is quick to change his tone when speaking to the boss.

Clifton A. Feddington (Joseph M. Wise) is a character you have to hate and vice versa . Singer Geneva Lee Browne (Geraldine Barela Samuelson) delivers beautiful melodies and a lot of attitude.

B.J. Gibson (Jordan Alexander) and Connie Miller (Amber Queen) are finger-down-your-throat squeaky clean wholesome as performers without personality but with incredible singing talent (like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, only in reverse).

The most serious topic/character in the comedy is Biff Baker (Daniel Billingsley) as he is off to fight the war. Biff is eager to fight but you can see the sadness in his face. That was the most dramatic part of this two-act play.

Ginger Brooks (Yezmin Bernal) is similar to Marilyn Monroe, as the character is a ditzy blonde with better looks than talent (the character not the person). The lovely Vivian (Sylvia Cervantes) is part of the WOV singing-dancing trio.

The play shows its audience the secrets of how a radio show was made. Sound effects like feet going down stairs and an “applause” sign for the audience to respond to. The show itself was entertaining but what added to the show were commercials done by the cast, such as Pepsi. Not to mention that the music was impressive.

I am personally a punk-rock enthusiast but even I could enjoy good time songs like “Daddy,” the always-amusing “Chiquita Banana” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”

All you cats out there check out this play and dig! It was an enjoyable experience to watch these talented performers give their all.

Ticket info can be found by calling (562) 467-5058. The 1940’s Radio Hour is worth checking out and will make you laugh out loud.

PRESHOW CAST

Jordan Alexander

Sylvia Cervantes

Stacy Eidem

Claire Ong

CAST (in order of appearance)

Pops Bailey – Bernard Montgomery

Stanley – Melvin Mesina

Bud – Frank Ballejos

Clifton A. Feddington – Joseph M. Wise

Zoot Doubleman – Hector Salazar

Wally Fergusson – Christopher Alvarado

Lou Cohn – David Carreiro

Johnny Cantone – Joshua Barron

Ginger Brooks – Yezmin Bernal

Connie Miller – Amber Queen

B.J. Gibson – Jordan Alexander

Neal Tilden – Edward G. Lucas

Ann Collier – Claire Ong

Geneva Lee Browne – Geraldine Barela Samuelson

Biff Baker – Jeffrey Gilpatrick

WOV TRIO: Vivian – Claudia Aicardi

Betty – Jennifer Tumulak

Rose – Brenda Banda