The only word to describe the cast of “1940s Radio Hour” is excited. I walked backstage to talk to the cast and director before a run-through and the whole place was bustling. It was a veritable whirlwind of activity. I have never met people so excited, dedicated and entranced with the material they were performing.

After practicing 25 hours a week since Sept. 4, I was amazed the cast had any energy at all. All I heard while I was there, though, were jokes, laughter and buzz that gave the show real life.

According to Tony Rodriguez, a junior doing his first show with the Performing Arts Department, “This has been one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. I look forward to rehearsals.”

He said that the people he works with, the director and his fellow cast members make it all worth it. “It’s definitely the people,” said Rodriguez

It shows. The cast members took palpable pride in performing such a different piece. According to junior Kaylin Boosalis, the characters tend to be caricatures. “I’m a character actor, so the idea of playing a caricature is a dream for me.”

The cast was so eager to talk about their roles, the musical itself and the whole experience of being in the show.

The show opened last Friday and will run again this weekend, Oct. 12-14. Tickets are $9 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. The musical technically starts at 8 p.m. on Oct. 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 14, but the action starts a little earlier as the audience comes in and finds their seats.

“I’m just really excited to get an audience. We’ve had so many rehearsals and it’s been nice working with people who are so excited,” said Samantha Chalk, stage manager.

Director Bill Whitaker said one of the reasons he chose this play is the songs-”American standards I grew up with.” The play itself makes connections to our own time, with the character Biff Baker leaving for World War II. The musical, Whitaker said, “Feels situated at a time not unlike our own.”

Before coming to the show, though, the audience should be warned: “The assumption is, whether you’re game or not you become the live audience” [for the radio show],” said Whitaker. “People’s pants fall down. It is an amazingly silly goofball comedy that is fun to watch with just enough seriousness not to dismiss it.”

For more rehersal escapades and information about the show, check out the show’s blog at http://padwu.blogspot.com.

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