Although we’ll never be able to relive days gone by, it’s sometimes fun to revel in the memories. “In The Mood,” a fully staged retro musical that recreates moments in the lives and times of America’s 1940s generation, aims to convey a sense of that time period when it makes its second appearance at the Performing Arts Center Wednesday evening.
The event sold out so fast last March, many did not get to see the show.
“What it brings to audiences is an authentic recreation of that very special era, the World War II era of music and dance that a lot of our patrons might remember or they remember their parents listening to this music,” said Lisa Woske, marketing coordinator for Cal Poly arts. “It’s really a retro show recreating that time in our entertainment history.”
World War II defined the 1940s and saw the creation of what would be called the ‘greatest generation.”‘ Women entered the workforce and the television, first computer and music of the Big Bands emerged, which found a way to lift America’s spirits.
“The term ‘greatest generation’ was because those people really believed what they were fighting for and if anything ‘In The Mood’ does is try to portray that,” said Bud Forrest, the show’s creator, producer and musical director. “People leave the show with a renewed energy and spirit.”
The play features music of the 1940s that moved the nation in a time of hardship. The music of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, two American big band leaders, will be presented, along with the talents of Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskin Hawkins, the Andrews Sisters and Frank Sinatra.
Forrest pointed out how Glenn Miller’s 1942 song “At Last,” made classic by Etta James’ rendition, was sung at many of President Barack Obama’s inaugural balls while he danced with his wife, illuminating the music’s lasting impact and appreciation today.
“I think that this music is American music, American lyrics, American big bands, and I think it’s part of our culture,” Forrest said. “I think for people coming to see ‘In The Mood,’ there is no story, but the music is the story.”
Along with the Cal Poly performance, “In The Mood” has 13 other performances scheduled throughout the state. The musical features a 23-member company of singers, dancers and the String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra. Authentic and colorful costumes recreate the essence of the 1940s.
“I really want to encourage the college community to come out and experience something that has probably not crossed their radars in a while,” Forrest said. “I think they would absolutely enjoy this presentation. It’s really for everybody.”
“In The Mood” opens to audiences at the PAC tonight at 7 p.m. Student ticket prices range from $28 to $38.
“It should be a fun show. It really was a unique time in history when everyone was on the same page, listening to the same music,” Woske said. “It was a unified time in our society and it’s really well done.”