MUSICAL HEARKENS BACK; PRODUCTION CONJURES UP 1940S RADIO IN PALMDALE.

Byline: Romy Jacobson Daily News Staff Writer

Take a journey back in time to December 21, 1942, as the Palmdale City Players present ``The 1940s Radio Hour.''

The play is set at the Hotel Astor in New York City. It follows the cast of characters from radio station WOV as they prepare and perform a show for the soldiers overseas in an effort to boost their holiday spirits.

``It's a bit more than a revue,'' said director Hugh Munro Neely. ``It is a radio show with music, commercials and comic skits that takes place in real time before the audience.''

``It's placed at a time when America has been in WWII for a year,'' Neely added. ``The radio show is being transcribed for rebroadcast to the guys overseas.''

Songs that will be performed include ``Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,'' ``That Old Black Magic,'' ``Blue Moon,'' ``Love Is Here to Stay,'' ``I'll Be Seeing You,'' ``Ain't She Sweet,'' ``Jingle Bells'' and ``Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.''

``It's a wonderful Christmas show - a wonderful family show,'' said Neely, a documentary filmmaker from Leona Valley who has been directing for more than 20 years. ``The play starts about a half-hour before the radio broadcast. You get to see a little of their personal lives. I was touched when I read the script.''

``The 1940s Radio Hour'' is produced by Dea McAllister, the city's cultural arts/theater manager. Co-music directors are Francie Neely and Elaine Stanley. Andie Hicks is the choreographer.

``We've got a very strong group of people,'' said Neely, who has lived in the Antelope Valley for 10 years. ``It's one of the strongest casts I've worked with in the Antelope Valley area.''

The lobby of the playhouse will showcase displays of authentic 1940s memorabilia, including clothing, musical instruments, photographs and a radio.

The play opens tonight and runs through next weekend at the Palmdale Playhouse, 38334 10th St. E., Palmdale. Shows are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens, military personnel and students; and $8 for children 12 and under. Sunday matinees will include a signer for deaf patrons. Group rates are available.

For more information, call the Palmdale Playhouse box office at [phone]. For 24-hour recorded information, call (805) 267-ARTS.

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PHOTO (1 -- 2 -- color) Above, actors Dennis Olivieri, left, Jeanie Carrafa, Betty Kimball and Nick Williams re-create the sights and sounds of ``The 1940s Radio Hour'' musical show at the Palmdale Playhouse, above. At left, George Ray, Rene Martin-Cleek and Sheldon Moskowitz, right, show off-the-air activities.

Myung J. Chun/Daily News