‘All Hands on Deck’ part of Independence Day festivities

BOWLING GREEN, O.—It’s “All Hands on Deck” at Bowling Green State University for a memorable Independence Day this year. BGSU is calling all community members to the lively, patriotic musical revue.

“All Hands on Deck” is part of the city of Bowling Green’s Independence Day celebration. The performance begins at 6 p.m. July 3 in Kobacker Hall at the Moore Musical Arts Center, before the community fireworks display at Doyt Perry Stadium.

The family-friendly, 1940s-style program transports the audience back to July 4, 1942, and a real war-bond drive and live radio show. On-air antics, classic commercials, timeless songs and impromptu comedy skits power the radio show until the performance comes full circle with a big patriotic finish that pays tribute to both active duty and veteran members of U.S. armed forces. Featuring over 40 classic Big Band hits in original arrangements, “All Hands on Deck” is reminiscent of Bob Hope’s famed USO shows.

On hand will be the show’s co-creator Jody Madaras, who has appeared on and off Broadway and on TV, and was recently part of the first national tour of the award-winning “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

A Pemberville native and former artistic director of the Pemberville Opera, Madaras is known for his acting, singing, directing and choreography. He will be the guest artist at BGSU’s Musical Theatre Camp, which runs through July 3. Selected students from the camp will perform in “All Hands on Deck.”

Media sponsorship for the production is provided by WBGU, WGTE-TV and The Blade.

Tickets are on sale at the BGSU online box office, or call 419-372-8171. Parking is free.