Church to present 1940s family musical
Before cell phones and video games, before computers and microwaves, even before VCRs and television, the big family activity was to sit in the living room and listen to their favorite live broadcast on the radio. The Indian Head Church of God will present “I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m., a musical about family and hope in the golden age of radio, written by Mark Hayes and Deborah Craig-Claar.
Set in late 1941, this is the story of the faith of a family and a nation on the brink of World War II, preparing to celebrate he birth of the Prince of Peace.
Most of the action takes place in the main characters’ home with the choir providing music and drama as it is broadcast over the radio.
The music highlights the sounds of the 40s, including swing, lush ballads and big band songs interspersed with re-enactments of radio broadcast during the time, including “The Lone Ranger,’ “The Shadow’ and “Fibber McGee and Molly’ with live sound effects. Original music mixed with familiar Christmas favorites form the backdrop for this dramatic musical.
Down stage center you will see the living room in an apartment building were you will meet Howard, the grandfather, wry, occasionally obstinate, but wise family patriarch; Norma, sensible heroine who holds the home together in spite of separation from her husband; Angie, impulsive, overly dramatic but sensitive and loving sister; Mickey, Norma’s son, an adventurous kid who always has his hand in something; Danny, the charming but somewhat clumsy and hapless mailman; Sid – retired car salesman downstairs, the classic eccentric; Lil, the no-nonsense building maintenance supervisor. Stage left, right and up stage center, you’ll see the live broadcast from the radio station KJOY complete with announcer Jerry Brainerd, singers and actors.
The musical is produced and directed by Jim Meyers, choir director, and includes 30 choir members singing and acting along with nine additional actors as well as five behind-the-scenes people working on sound, lights, costumes, props and sets.
The Indian Head Church of God is located on Route 711, Indian Creek Valley Road. The Rev. Dennis Arndt is pastor. The Rev. Ben Tobias is associate pastor.