by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer

IN THE MOOD: A 1940s MUSICAL REVUE
BENAROYA HALL
March 10

In the Mood is getting back into the swing of things. America's premier 1940s big-band musical revue, a touring production of song and dance numbers filled with music by the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, and The Andrews Sisters, just to name a few, returns to Seattle for two performances on March 10.

The show played to solid reviews and exuberant crowds two years ago at McCaw Hall, and this time it moves downtown to Benaroya Hall's Mark Taper Auditorium. But don't expect a repeat of that performance, as the program is constantly adjusted to introduce a new rotation of songs. All of the music, compiled by curator/producer Bud Forrest, is pulled from the Swing Era (roughly 1935-45), and on stage it's reinterpreted wonderfully by an actual big band and vocalists who double as dancers. The choreography by Alex Sanchez reflects the wide range of dance styles from this period, including the jitterbug, the foxtrot, and everything in between. The costumes are truly reminiscent of the era, right down to the Navy sailor suits and Army uniforms that help relay the patriotic spirit of World War II.

In the Mood has greeted audiences throughout the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand, and was part of the entertainment for the 53rd Presidential Inauguration Ball and the commemoration of World War II's 50th anniversary. For the latter event, people lined up for hours before the show. And they probably saw what I did at McCaw Hall: a well-assembled and entertaining production that felt authentic to a time that many of us have only heard about from our parents and/or grandparents.

This music isn't for everybody, though it was considered pop back in the day. Songs like 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Company B),' 'Tuxedo Junction,' and 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' ruled the airwaves and the charts. And unlike today's tunes, they're weren't overproduced or lyrically explicit. The whole program is clean, good fun for all ages.

Tickets for both the 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. matinee performances of In the Mood, priced between $31 and $79, are on sale now at the Benaroya Hall box office and can be purchased in person, by phone (206) 215-4747, or online at www.seattlesymphony.org.

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