There's more than just old newsreel footage and a WWII throwback story that make "The Andrews Brothers" as warm and comfy as an old shoe.
Roger Bean's cross-dressing comedy, now in its San Diego premiere at Welk Resorts Theatre in Escondido, is a celebration of the look, music, laughs, innocence and patriotism of a 1940s USO shows, and it's cast with a team of seasoned performers who are as familiar with each other as they are to local audiences.
"The Andrews Brothers" stars Vista-bred musical theater veteran Bets Malone, along with three of the original New York castmates of "Forever Plaid," whose 20 years of continued collaboration gives them an ease, timing and obvious joy together onstage that's infectious.
The thinly plotted musical revue is set on a South Seas airbase in 1945, where Washington state pin-up girl/singer Peggy Jones is slated to open a USO show for the Andrews Sisters. Peggy quickly realizes that the three "Andrews Brothers" who've shown up to serve as her back-up singers are really starstruck stagehands. But when the Andrews Sisters cancel out due to illness, Peggy conceives a way to give the brothers their big break and go on with the show.
The musical is packed with 27 pop, patriotic, swing and novelty songs from the war era, including "Mairzy Dotes, "Rosie the Riveter," "On a Slow Boat to China," "The Hut-Sut Song," "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," "Ac-cent-tchu-ate the Positive" and many more. And director/choreographers Nick DeGruccio and Roger Castellano give the show all of the pizzazz and fast-paced energy of a high-spirited USO show.
To add to the show's retro feel, real newsreel footage, war bond promotions and patriotic cartoons open the show and fill the intermission (elongated to 20 minutes to give the actors time to get into drag). And a fun audience interactive bit in the second act is a show highlight.
The Welk staging is a remount of the production (cast, director, sets and costumes) produced earlier this summer in Fullerton, so it arrives in Escondido with the well-rehearsed polish of a long-running show. Lots of fun are Malone's soldier girl outfits, a prop dinghy the actors "row" around the stage and the outrageous drag costumes and wigs created for the Andrews "sisters" in the second act.
Malone (who grew up on the Moonlight Amphitheatre stage) brings her trademark pluck, sass and professionalism to the role of flirty singer Peggy. Malone's a solid singer, dancer and actress and her big eyes, heart-shaped face and perky personality make her an ideal fit for period shows.
All three of the Andrews brothers are terrific in their individual roles and as a team.
David Engel stands out as stage manager Max. He's a strong singer, a gifted comedian and dancer, and a hilarious drag performer (his facial expressions are priceless). Larry Raben is endearing as Patrick, the stuttering stagehand who wins Peggy's heart, and he's the most feminine of the "Andrews sisters." And Stan Chandler, seen locally at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, is very funny as the nerdy, bespectacled Lawrence.
Music Director Justin Gray and his crack pit ensemble includes two trumpeters (Jack Houghton and Brad Steinwehe) who really wail on the swinging, jazzy score. With drummer Mike Masessa, they produce a much bigger sound than their number would suggest.
"The Andrews Brothers" is ideally suited to Welk's core audience, many of whom probably grew up listening to the music in the show and watching the Milton Berle-style drag comedy that it celebrates. It's a fun, innocent throwback to the past that succeeds on its professionalism.
"The Andrews Brothers"
When: 1:45 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; through Nov. 8
Where: Welk Resorts Theatre, Welk Resorts San Diego, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido
Tickets: $58-$63, adults (includes buffet lunch or dinner); $44-$47, adults, show only
Info: 760-749-3448
