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It was “The Greatest Generation” for so many reasons. Facing
the greatest challenges to the
freedom and survival of the nation – and resurging from the devastating
Great Depression –
America united to emerge stronger and more prosperous a nation than before.
Now, with this generation facing its myriad challenges at home and abroad,
we feel it’s time
to tell a story about how we can once again come together around a common
purpose and
serve our country as each of us can best. And, as artists and musical theatre
professionals, the
way we know best is to entertain and inspire through laughter and song.
We also feel that it’s the perfect time to revive one of the greatest
generations of music….
From the Manhattan Transfer and the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies to the
Squirrel Nut Zippers,
Swing music has experienced a renaissance in American culture. Swing Dance
enjoys even
more current popularity. Looking back in order to move forward is one of
the basic tenets of
entertainment in history, SWING FOR VICTORY! remains modern in its streamlined,
economic style of entertainment while approaching classic material.
With all-new 15-piece orchestrations and four-part vocal arrangements
of nearly 60 classic
songs by Irving Berlin, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Rogers & Hart,
Dorothy Fields and many more – SWING FOR VICTORY! pays homage to “The
Greatest Generation” in a big sound, big laughs, light-hearted
revue aimed to delight any generation.
SWING FOR VICTORY! tells the story of The Four F’s, Modernaires-style
mixed quartet, comprised of Faith, Fran, Frank and…Phil. Set on
the eve of V-Day in 1945, The Four F’s embark on a marathon performance
to bolster the enthusiasm of our soldiers and our nation – particularly
a group of soldiers in “Bravo Company,” who
we have learned are pinned behind enemy lines, with only the sound
of their radio to keep their spirits alive.
As the group tells the story of how they came together to form The
Four F’s and salute the troops through two jam-packed medleys of classic
era tunes, we learn that, like Bravo Company, The Four F’s are
actually “under siege” themselves.
The show alternates between the on-air scenes – where The Four
F’s are “in character” and perform their radio show
for the live audience – and the off-air
scenes, in which we learn of the behind-the-scenes challenges facing
the group.
It is revealed that the group hasn’t been getting along: Frank
is distracted by missing a loved one overseas and has been neglectful
of the show; Faith has been ill and may have another “problem on
the way,” but can’t risk stopping the tour
because her family needs the money; Fran has grown bitter and resentful
of the war and the group; and Phil is desperately just trying to keep
it all together and serve his country the only way he can…through
song.
In the end (and in just under two hours with no intermission), we
see how this fictional, famous, fabulous foursome narrowly escapes
defeat (ie: the group breaking up) and unites stronger than ever
to win the day – and usher in the announcement
of the Allies’ triumphant victory over the Germans.
Swanee (Gershwin, Caesar) |
I Remember You (Schertzinger, Mercer) |
