Fresh off a three-year national tour, having played to sold-out audiences across the country, The Dutton Family Theater in Branson, Missouri, has announced “The All Hands on Deck! Show” as part of its 2016 lineup. The popular, All-American Roadshow and Radio Broadcast reproduction opened March 17.
“The All Hands on Deck! Show” is an All-Singing, All-Dancing, All-American 1942 Roadshow & Radio Broadcast reproduction filled with the songs, dances and laughs that America has loved for 70 years.
Directed and choreographed by Jody Madaras, “The All Hands on Deck! Show” is a fun-filled, true-to-life reproduction of the kind of USO show Bob Hope and Jack Benny would have taken to the troops 65 years ago: classic humor and great music from those special days of road shows, war-bond drives, and radio broadcasts. Early versions of the show were staged in Perrysburg in 2011 and as part of July 4th celebrations in Bowling Green in 2013.
“The All Hands on Deck!Show” boasts over 40 classic Big Band hits in original arrangements including: “Chattanooga Choo-Choo,” “Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe,” “I’m In The Mood For Love,” “Pennsylvania Polka,” “I’ll Never Smile Again,” “Any Bonds Today?” “Don’t Fence Me In,” “God Bless America,” “Deep In The Heart Of Texas,” “Thanks For The Memory” and a Military Medley that salutes America and its servicemen and women.
“The All Hands on Deck! Show” features Broadway veteran Jody Madaras (creator, Ted Crosley), Valerie Hill (Betty Blake), Rachel Saad (Daisy Maxwell), and Trevor Dorner (John Handley), and the rich sounds of the LIVE 9-piece Hollywood Victory Caravan Orchestra (featuring some of Branson’s finest musicians) , classic commercials, tight harmonies, impromptu skits, and 42 of the greatest American songs ever written. “The All Hands on Deck! Show” offers a musical message for all Americans with a full-circle patriotic salute celebrating the American way of life; reminding us of a time when our country was fully united.
“The All Hands on Deck! Show” was born of a heart filled with gratitude and patriotism. Creator and star Jody Madaras wanted to write a show that would say “Thank you” to the greatest generation – the men and women who served our country during WWII and The Korean War – and also remind Americans of a time when our country was truly united.
Madaras also wanted to create something to stir the hearts of all Americans, especially the upcoming generation, to unite in patriotic support of the greatest nation of all time.
Madaras said: “This new 1940’s show is very special to me – I spent nearly four years writing it.”
The Ohio farm boy knew he wanted to say something important. “We are reminded every day that our country has challenges. I wanted to write about patriotic unity, what’s right about our country, and thank our veterans in a musical way. I know how much these songs mean to them, and I have discovered as we have toured across America how much they inspire audiences of all ages. I want everyone to leave our show feeling a little better and happier about our country.”
For inspiration, Madaras used the Hollywood Victory Caravan – (a group of famous film stars who toured America by train in 1942 selling war bonds) – as the setting for his new show. Mr. Madaras adds: “When I got the idea to do the show, one of the things I found was that no one had ever done a show based on the Caravan. It was a huge part of the war effort and no one had ever fully honored them. 1942 was one of the most pivotal years in world history paving the way for much of the prosperity we enjoy in this great country of ours. That’s our theme: being united, then and now.”
For showtimes and ticket prices call 417-332-2772. For more information on “The All Hands on Deck! Show” visit www.AllHandsOnDeckShow.com.
The 2016 AHOD Branson schedule is available at www.allhandsondeckshow.com/branson/ and
for more information on The Dutton Family Theater, visit www.theduttons.com.
