Former Rockettes Added to 'Remembering the '40s' at Reagle Music Theatre

Glen Miller, the Andrews Sisters, Bob Hope, Kate Smith, Burns and Allen and Abbott and Costello return to the Robinson Theatre at 617 Lexington Street in Waltham on October 13 and 14 as Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston brings back its popular WWII revue "Remembering the '40s." Featuring classic songs of the era, a tribute to the musicals of Rodgers & Hammerstein, a cavalcade of stars from the Rexall Radio Hour, and the unforgettable Big Band sound, "Remembering the '40s" is a joyous and touching trip down memory lane that salutes America's Greatest Generation.

Just announced is the addition of the World Famous Precision Dancers featuring 12 former Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. Dancers will be flying into Waltham from Cincinnati, Los Angeles, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Toronto exclusively for the three October 13 and 14 performances. Broadway veteran and former Rockette Sandra Philpott of Boston will choreograph. Philpott appeared in the very first production of "Remembering the '40s" at Reagle Music Theatre in the 1970s.

Songs like "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "I'll Be Seeing You," "This Is the Army," "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" from South Pacific and the rousing title number from Oklahoma! take audiences on a sentimental journey through the war years and beyond. Talented impressionists familiar to Reagle audiences recreate classic comic routines like Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First" and Jack Benny and Mel Blanc's "Si Sy Sue." Cast also includes the renowned Reagle Precision Dancers and the ever popular Barbershop Quartet.

This year veterans of all wars are invited to enjoy "Remembering the '40s" free of charge. In past years many vets have attended in uniform, adding a deep sense of patriotism that connects the performers to the audience in a very special way. When the entire theater joins The Cast in singing Kate Smith's version of "God Bless America," the rafters shake with pride.

Performances of "Remembering the '40s" are Saturday, October 13 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, October 14 at 2 p.m. in the Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington Street, Waltham. Tickets are $35, $38, $43 and $50 for adults and $25 for youths 5-18. Seniors (60 and older) received $3 off adult prices. Student rush seats at 50% off are available one hour before curtain. A valid college ID is required.

Tickets to "Remembering the '40s" may be purchased online at www.reaglemusictheatre.org, by calling 781-891-5600, or at the theater Box Office. For group rates call 781-894-2330.

More Articles by This Author...