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Telegraphist Air Gunners |
The 2006-2007 Performance Tour Season features a new wartime musical stage show. Tragedy and Triumph – Memories of World War II, is the third production in the Time To Remember international series. The war years were ones of "tragedy and triumph" for servicemen and women, civilians, and nations and 440 Productions convey that reality on stage in its newest presentation
Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr. Hitler introduces the opening scenes and sets the mood for an evening of wartime stories and songs. One young man brings the reality of everyday life amidst the bombing and uncertainty in wartime England to the audience. Together with other trainees in Canada and Britain, their decision to join the Royal Navy as Telegraphist Air Gunners brings new adventure and the audience discovers the songs they sang and the music that inspired and touched their hearts. There is no fiction to be found in these stories and the opening scenes are guaranteed to bring a smile and a tear.
From the Navy to the Army to the Air Force, each scene pays tribute to the various branches of the services and the individuals who fought with courage and determination. From tragedy to triumph in stories and songs, soldiers, Telegraphist Air Gunners, pilots, and civilians bring to the stage the joy and sadness of wartime reality experienced during, such events as the Channel Dash and the Battle of Britain.
For many Canadians soldiers, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia was the location of basic training and through the songs, Bless ‘Em All, Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major, and Quartermaster's Stores, the audience can join in to sing the well-known war songs of army trainees. Then, it’s off to England to encounter the British people at war and wartime adventure from the serious to the humorous.
The Second Act opens with the music of the British pub, including My Old Man, Tavern In The Town, Roll Out The Barrel and such songs as Elmer's Tune,
offers a glimpse of the many songs sung around the piano.
Poking fun at the enemy and forgetting the realities of
war were a necessary part of wartime life and the songs
reflect those carefree moments.
No 440 Production in the Time To Remember series would be complete without stories of romance and this stage show is no exception. Weaved throughout the evening are love stories and songs, the parting, the letters home, and the reunions. Each story and song will ‘tug at the heart strings’ and leave the audience with an unforgettable memory.
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Tara Egan - Pianist |
The Second Act moves to the Pacific with stories of the attack on the enemy-held Royal Dutch Shell refineries at Palambang, Sumatra, and the attacks on the Sakishima Islands from aircraft carriers of the British Pacific Fleet. Other stories include the tragedy of the Changi POW Camp.
The patriotism of wartime Britain is presented with well-known songs that include We'll Meet Again, Wish Me Luck, Yours, and There'll Always Be An England. These songs will inspire and leave an appreciative understanding of the staunch belief in victory.
Once again this third production of the Time To Remember series, with some forty-six wartime songs, will be for both the cast and the audience an evening that will leave them humming tunes and remembering the unforgettable moments and people of the war years.
