West Branch group offers an Andrews Sisters revue

Staff report

BELOIT

West Branch alumni and friends will stage “The Andrews Brothers,” a revue of tunes by popular 1940s wartime vocal group The Andrews Sisters, July 26-28.

The story takes place at a military base on a small island in the South Pacific during World War II. When a USO show featuring the Andrews Sisters is canceled, the trio’s male stagehands are drafted to stand in for the girls.

The cast of Zac Wells as Patrick Andrews, Evan Park as Lawrence Andrews and John Zamarelli as Max Andrews, along with Paige Kasten as emcee Peggy Jones, sprint through dozens of Andrews Sisters songs.

To begin the journey down memory lane, the four singers combine their voices with swinging choreography and close harmony in “The Hut-Sut Song.” They continue with “Rosie the Riveter” and “Peggy the Pin-Up Girl,” while Kasten performs “I Wanna Be Loved.”

Other songs include “On a Slow Boat to China,” “Accentuate the Positive,” “Six Jerks in a Jeep,” “I Want to Linger” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree.”

Providing a wartime atmosphere is a set that includes USO posters, a live band and some ballroom dancers that demonstrate 1940s dance-floor skills.

West Branch high school students and alumni will provide live music for the show, which will feature swing dancers as part of the cast.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. July 26, 27 and 28 in the West Branch Community Auditorium, located at the high school, 14277 Main St., Beloit. Tickets are $12. ($10 for students and seniors). World War II veterans will be admitted free and honored during the show. Call 330-938-4442 for reservations. Proceeds will be used to purchase new lighting equipment for the West Branch Community Auditorium.

Zamarelli, who also is the director, has dedicated the show to his father, Frank Zamarelli Sr., a World War II veteran.