Five By Design's "Radio Days"

(Video Trailer click here)
 
PROGRAM NOTES
Imagine a voice emanating from a crafted piece of furniture, an electronic marvel.

During the 1940s, the radio console evoked amber visions of streamlined imagery, art deco facades, make-believe ballrooms, and big band remotes from Chicago, New York City, and Hollywood.  

Paying tribute to the vocal groups which fronted the big bands in the 1940s

"Radio Days" interweaves music from the likes of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey with segments from vintage serials, comedies, and quiz shows.

SECRET DECODER RINGS AND PEDOMETERS
It was the era when Jack Armstrong the All-American Boy, The Shadow, and Little Orphan Annie ruled the airwaves; hawking everything from shake-up mugs to pedometers and secret decoder rings . . . all for "one thin dime and a boxtop".

The years of 1941-45 were indelibly etched on the minds of every American and radio and music played a critical role in focusing our attention on winning the victory.  

"Radio Days" rebroadcasts the theme songs, commercial jingles, and patriotic ditties that provided moral support for the men and women who defended the American homefront.  Support for the war effort was woven through the fabric of every show and broadcast over the nation's airwaves throughout every community, rural or urban, large or small. Tom Mix, America's favorite cowboy, extolled young listeners to be "good homefront soldiers and help America win" while Jack Armstrong the All-American Boy encouraged boys and girls to "train to be an American and eat the type of breakfast America needs in times like these...Wheaties, Breakfast of Champions".  

Tin Pan Alley pumped out hundreds of songs for our troops which promoted the sale of war bonds ( Any Bonds Today?), flagwaving patriotism ( Praise the Lord & Pass the Ammunition), and musical diversions for their listening and dancing pleasure ( Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B).

LEST WE FORGET
The purpose of this production is to reflect and remember the men and women who served during World War II. Radio Days, provides us with a time capsule of those experiences as America wept, fought, and survived a war.  

FIVE BY DESIGN

Lorie Carpenter-Niska • Catherine Farr-Scott • Kurt Niska • Michael Swedberg • Terrence Niska and Alton Accola as your Host