‘Radio Gals’ to bring musical comedy of 1920s airwaves to Elizabeth
ELIZABETH – Premiere Entertainment will present the musical comedy “Radio Gals” Friday through Sunday and Friday and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26, at the Grand Theatre, 207 Second St., Elizabeth (next to the Red Lion). Curtain time is 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with the matinee at 2 p.m. For reservations, call the theater at 412-384-0504. Reserved tickets are $13 for adults and $6 for children. Tickets are $15 adults and $7.50 for children at the door.
In the late 1920s when radio ruled the airwaves and small stations thrived, music teacher Hazel C. Hunt received a 100-watt Western Electric radio transmitter as a retirement gift and station WGAL was born in Cedar Ridge, Ark.
Hazel and her Hazelnuts, a talented quintet of singers/musicians, gather daily in her parlor to set hearts thumping and toes tapping with novelty songs, homey chat and an occasional plug for Horehound Compound, a rejuvenating tonic that owes its kick to the still out back.
On this particular day, Hazel’s habit of twisting the dial until she finds a clear channel catches up with her. A Department of Commerce inspector arrives to shut her down for wave jumping.
Starring as Hazel Hunt will be Nicole Rae Tomino of North Versailles. Tomino was last seen as Elsa in Premiere Entertainment’s “The Sound of Music.” Some of her past favorite role include Marty in “Grease,” Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” Rapunzel in “Into the Woods” and Bea in “Other People’s Money.” Tomino has recently earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in theater arts from California University of Pennsylvania. She is currently a graduate student at California where she is planning to receive her master’s degree in multimedia technology.
Rob Ross of Weirton, W.Va., will star as O.B. Abbott, the government inspector. He is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and attended West Liberty College. In addition performing, Rob also designed and built the scenery for “Radio Gals” and all other Premiere Entertainment shows. He also designs for several other theater companies. Some of his favorite roles include “Neckties in Opal,” Junior in “Dearly Departed,” Paul Bratter in “Barefoot in the Park,” Lt. Cable in “South Pacific,” Mr. Boddy in “Clue, the musical,” Charlie in “Annie Get Your Gun” and Miles Gloriosus in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
Laura Bell of Brownsville will portray Renabelle. Her character has met George Gershwin and written a song about it. Some of her favorite roles include the Mama in “Opal,” Yente in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Parthy in “Showboat” Sister in “Damn Yankees,” the Widow Corney in “Oliver” and “The Sound of Music.”
Dana M. Greco of McKeesport will be portraying the character of America. Her songs include “Royal Radio” and “Aviatrix Love Song.” This is her third show at the Grand Theatre. One of her favorite roles is King Herod in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Heather M. Yaksic from Mckeesport is playing the role of Gladys, who falls madly in love with the inspector. She was last seen in South Allegheny’s Summer Stock Theater as Princess Number 12 in “Once Upon a Mattress.”
Playing the Swindle Sisters will be Ryan Blocher of Glassport and Jack Tomino from North Versailles.
Jack Tomino is making his very first appearance in a musical with “Radio Gals.” Even though this is his first theater debut, he is no stranger to the entertainment business. Tomino has sung many leads in various bands and groups. He has entertained many audiences with everything from rock ‘n’ roll to oldies.
Premiere Entertainment has had the girls rehearsing since the end of August to perfect the many harmonies and musical surprises that “Radio Gals” has in store for local audiences. For reservations, call 412-384-0504.