Andrews Brothers Opens July 16

Andrews Brothers Opens July 16

Come join us for a cheerful, nostalgic musical that pays tribute to the Andrews Sisters and the music of the 40’s.

The Andrews Brothers by Roger Bean opens July 16 and plays eight performances through July 25.

The time is World War II, and the setting is a USO stage in the South Pacific where a rehearsal is beginning for

the next show. Pin-up girl Peggy Jones is going over her songs with three stagehands giving her some back-up: Patrick,

Lawrence and Max Andrews. Peggy is the intro act for the Andrews Sisters, who are the real stars of the show. Peggy

talks the guys into singing backup for her, and she gets to know the three charming brothers, each with a 4-F ailment

preventing them from serving in the armed forces: asthma, near-sightedness and flat feet. She takes a particular shine

to the sweet and stammering Patrick. But the entire show will have to be canceled, as they get a telegram saying that

the Andrews Sisters are quarantined in Hawaii due to an illness. But Patrick, Lawrence and Max have done the backstage

work for dozens of shows for the Andrews Sisters, and they know all their songs and routines. They don’t want to

disappoint the servicemen waiting for the entertainment before being shipped out to the fighting.

When the show opens in Act Two, Peggy introduces Patty, LaVerne and Maxene Andrews, and the brothers go on,

impersonating the sisters and pulling off a performance of patriotic and romantic songs of the era. Of course,

they need to do double duty as the stagehands, too, so they sing and dance and move scenery. More than two

dozen songs of the era are performed in The Andrews Brothers, including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,”

“Rosie the Riveter,” “Accentuate the Positive,” “Mairzy Doats,” “A Slow Boat to China,” “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon,”

“Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” and many more.

Roger Bean has created a variety of musicals that incorporate popular songs from the past, including

The Marvelous Wonderettes, Route 66, Why Do Fools Fall in Love? and Life Could Be a Dream. His latest offering,

The Andrews Brothers, opened in Los Angeles in 2008, with critics praising the vintage songs, pleasing humor

and light entertainment.

When The Andrews Brothers appeared at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, artistic director Joseph Hanreddy said,

“Roger Bean has found a way to add an ingeniously fun twist to the unforgettable music of the Andrews Sisters

resulting in a show that proved to be a delight for young and old audiences alike. The show was a smash hit as

well as a ball to produce. I highly recommend it!”

The Andrews Brothers opens July 16 and runs two weekends through July 25.

Call the box office at 633-4218 to order tickets or for further information. Call soon, as this is sure to be a popular

summer musical at the RTG, introducing a whole new generation to great music from a great era!

From The Director

Doug Instenes

Honoring Those Who Serve

We kick off Season 73 at the RTG with a musical revue that brings to life the songs of World War II.

For those who remember the time, it will be a tribute to those great, classic and popular songs. For those who have

never heard these songs before, it will be an introduction to music that has a lasting appeal. The Andrews Brothers

by Roger Bean is both humorous, and a tribute to the USO and the entertainers who have supported our troops through

the years. If you never saw or heard the Andrews Sisters, you will still recognize some of the music.

Nearly everyone knows “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Another thrill is having a live five-piece band on stage.

While the men try in a very comical way to impersonate the Andrews Sisters, they do use their normal male singing voices.

They still have the tight harmonies, style and charm that Patty, Maxene and LaVerne were known for. Having men in

drag always gets laughs. It was funny through the centuries, from Shakespeare to Charley’s Aunt, to Leading Ladies

two seasons ago. There’s something about a man in high heels that is hysterical.

My father, Donald, who just turned 92, often tells me of his time in the military. He never had the opportunity

to see a real USO show, so I’m glad he will be attending ours. I hope you will join us as well to enjoy some great

music from a bygone era.

To honor the active men and women of our military, the RTG is offering them free admission to the play.

This is just a small token to say thanks for your service.

The Andrews Brothers

by Roger Bean