It's the early 1940s, the years of World War II. Hollywood notables are entertaining our troops. We are members of a military audience for G. I. Holiday Jukebox!, at PowPAC, being treated to a very good Stagedoor Canteen production. Our entertainers, our celebrities, are Chrissy Burns, Debbie David, Frank Remiatte and Erick Sundquist backed up on the piano by director Rick Shaffer. They are as good as their counterparts 60 years ago.
This production is a lot of fun with an authentic feel. Some of us remember hearing the Stagedoor Canteen broadcasts during the war, or we may have seen clips in Movietone News in the theaters. Others have seen the many films made about the period. Rick Lewis' G. I. Holiday Jukebox! captures not only the feel of the shows, but the dialogue of the 40s. It was a time of patriotism, as well as a holiday celebration. Director Rick Shaffer's cast recreate the period in their vocal styling. Chrissy Burns costumes her fellow cast members befitting the period, combining both the holiday and patriotic themes.
Burns and Sundquist give us a rousing "Jingle Bells," setting the stage for the evening's festivities. Rick Shaffer and Sabato Fiorello's set gives us the feel of a road show, with a hastily put up backdrop hanging between two homes, one replete with a decorated Christmas tree. Fiorello's set dressing adds just the right touch, including strings of Christmas lights.
G. I. Holiday Jukebox! brings us many of our favorites with poignant, as well as amusing, segues between songs and medleys. Even the humor is properly dated. Remiatte acts as the primary emcee, with the others occasionally taking on the duties.
Readings are also an important part of the production. Remiatte, at one point, introduces the Henderson Sisters, nee the Andrew Sisters, requiring Sundquist to do a gender shift. The "girls" are quite entertaining. The staging of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is excellent.
Burns's costume closet has got to be empty by the end of the show. Burns and David have almost as many costume changes as they have numbers, and the men aren't far behind. Burns has the perfect look `40s look. She could have been on a GI calendar, while David has the pinup girl look that adorned many a bomber, a la Rita Hayworth. Shaffer's fun choreography includes a delightful tap dance by Burns, accompanied by Sundquist's soft-shoe.
G. I. Holiday Jukebox! is a perfect way to begin the holiday season, thanks to a combination of both familiar and forgotten holiday favorites and a few patriotic songs, such as "God Bless America." Remiatte's "Have yourself a Merry Christmas" is a show-stopper. And be sure to bring the kids.
