Tech Week Treats
Posted on Monday, June 14, 2010 by Pat Gaik
Another openin' of another show!
Conklin’s Crew Re-Enlists at the Stage Door Canteen
Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre is very proud to announce the limited return engagement of the hilarious and tuneful U.S.O. spectacular G.I. Jukebox opening Thursday, June 17 and playing for a 6 weeks only through July 25 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday brunch. This show was an instant sell-out during it’s 2008 premiere. Bookings are already brisk for this revival so early booking is being encouraged!
G.I. Jukebox is a terrific blend of comedy and music that evokes the WWII era and the U.S.O. shows brought to the troupes by the stars of the day like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. The show is conceived by Rick Stewart, creator of “The Taffetas” and contains his arrangements of the best music of the period in fabulous four part harmony. The evening also contains outrageous comedy from the era, including Abbott and Costello’s famous “Who’s on first” sketch and Spike Jones’ sound-effect spectacular “Cocktails for Two” performed live. The music will bring back wonderful memories and includes such hits as “In the Mood,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Moonlight Serenade,” along with terrific medleys including the hits of the Andrews Sisters, the “Great 48” medley which contains no fewer than 15 different songs in rapid succession and the “Nonsense Medley” featuring comedy favorites like “Mairzy Doats,” “Three Little Fishies” and “Inka-Dinka-Doo.”
The multi-talented foursome bringing this show to life includes performers from the Barn’s previous hit musicals “Forever Plaid” and “The Taffetas” - husband and wife team Dan and Tamra Challacombe, Pat Gaik and Julie Seeley. The blend of these four terrific voices combined with their comic skills made “G.I. Jukebox” an instant hit and sure-fire audience favorite.
The production is directed by Mary Simon with choreography by Tamra Challacombe. The band features long-time Barn pianist Mel White (in his 35th year with the Barn!), with Al Hedstrom on bass and Zach Wakid on drums. Set design is by Tom Weber, technical direction is by April Wyant, and publicity is by Pat Gaik. Conklin’s Barn II is known for its delicious buffet which, on evening performances, includes four main entrees featuring the Barn’s renowned prime rib and fried chicken, with salad, homemade soup and cheese spread, and a choice of four taste-tempting, homemade desserts. Prices for dinner and show are $33.00 on Thursday evenings, $35.00 on Friday evening and Sunday brunch, and $37.00 on Saturday evening, including tax. No advance payment is required. For reservations, call the box office at 309-965-2545. For more information, visit the Barn on the internet at www.barn2.com.
