Sisters of Swing Head to Florida This Spring

History Theatre is taking the talented cast of our hit production, Sisters of Swing, to the Riverside Theatre for a 3-weekend run this May.

The wildly popular Sisters of Swing first premiered at History Theatre in the spring of 2002, playing to record-breaking crowds and prompting a return run during the summer of 2003. The sisters were back on History Theatre's stage in November and December of 2009. Since premiering at History Theatre, Sisters has been produced in 30 other regional theatres including the Deutsches Theater in Göttingen, Germany.

"We are very excited to share this delightful production of one of our most beloved shows with the good folks of Vero Beach, Florida," said director Ron Peluso. "In 2006 we had a great time when we took Beyond the Rainbow to the Riverside and so it's wonderful to have another opportunity to partner with them - and to have an excuse to spend some time in Florida!"

Sisters of Swing is a joyful celebration of music, family, and patriotism. Featuring favorite songs such as "Don't Sit Under Apple Tree," "Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy," and "All I Want for Christmas," this musical retelling of the story of the Andrews Sisters is a treat for the whole family - from the newest generation to the Greatest Generation and everyone in between.

The Andrews Sisters - LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty - were born and raised in Minnesota, getting their start in the musical business as children. Patty, the youngest, was only seven when the girls started performing, and just twelve years old when they won first prize at a talent contest at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. From there they toured with a vaudeville troupe and several big bands before scoring a hit with their first Top-Ten single "Bei Mir Bist Du Schöen." Between 1937 and 1950 they had 45 Top Ten hits and appeared in 15 full-length films and two Disney animated features. During World War II they volunteered to entertain enlisted and wounded men by singing, dancing, and signing autographs. In 1945 they participated in an eight-week USO tour and were dubbed the "Sweethearts of the Armed Forces Radio Service." Based on the book Swing It by John Sforza, the Goldmine article "The Andrews Sisters: Three Sides to Every Story" by William Ruhlmann and numerous interviews, Sisters of Swing offers glimpse into the lives and career of this amazing trio who recorded hundreds of songs and sold more than 90 million records.

Sisters of Swing was written by Beth Gilleland and Bob Beverage, with music arrangements and direction by Raymond Berg. It is directed by Ron Peluso with co-direction and choreography by Jan Puffer, scenic design for the production at the Riverside Theatre by Erica Nanya Ramey, costume design by Shannon O'Black, sound by C. Andrew Mayer, and properties design by Crystal Schneider. Starring Ruthie Baker as Patty Andrews; Stacey Lindell as Maxene Andrews; Patty Nieman as LaVerne Andrews; and Jim Lichtscheidl as Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Johnny Carson, Carmen Miranda and more. Also featuring Michael Erickson as Vic Shoen.
Sisters of Swing @ Riverside Theatre
Opens: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Through: Sunday, May 16, 2010

At the Riverside Theatre
3250 Riverside Park Drive
Vero Beach, 32963

For more information contact the Riverside Theatre: 772-231-6990 or go to www.riversidetheatre.com.

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