Forget Your Woes At The ‘Swingtime Canteen’

Moonlight Stage Productions invites audiences to forget their woes, pack up their troubles and check their hats at the San Diego premiere of the rip-roaring canteen musical, Swingtime Canteen. Opening Thursday, Jan. 28 at the AVO Playhouse, this star-spangled musical hit plays through Feb. 21 as part of Moonlight Stage Productions’ 2009/10 Winter Season.

Audiences travel back in time to 1944. It’s World War II and the glamorous Hollywood star Marian Ames hears the patriotic call to help out during America’s greatest hour of need when everyone has to do their part for the war effort. Marian gathers up her “gal pals” from the Hollywood Canteen to head overseas to London to entertain the troops and prove their mettle by singing more than 20 musical hits heard during the Great War. Swingtime Canteen is a celebration of the spirit and hope of the war time effort with laughter, tears, and emotional fireworks brought to the stage.

Songs include: Don’t Fence Me In, I’ll be Seeing You, Sing Sing Sing, How High the Moon, I Don’t Want to Walk Without You, A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, Sentimental Journey, Apple Blossom Time, and a fast-paced, 12-song Andrews Sister medley.

With a book by Linda Thorsen Bond, William Repicci, and Charles Busch, Swingtime Canteen ran Off-Broadway for more than 300 performances before opening productions in London and elsewhere throughout the United States.

Featured as Marian Ames is Jessica Couto of San Diego. Playing Marian’s niece Katie Gammersflugel is Chelsey Moore of Irvine. Marian’s good friend Jo Sterling is portrayed by Rae Henderson of Oceanside. The sultry pin-up girl Lilly McBain is played by Oceanside’s Alexis Grenier.

Swingtime Canteen
Produced by Moonlight Stage Productions
Jan. 28-Feb. 21
Tickets: $21-$29

AVO Playhouse, 303 Main Street (In Vista)
Box Office: (760) 724-2110
Online: moonlightstage.com or www.vistixonline.com