1940s Canteen Show Pays Homage to Bob Hope, WWII Salute to the Troops
For the City Times
The Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre’s third annual theme dinner will be held Thursday, August 11 at the WRCT auditorium in the Centralia Center. This year’s theme is “1940s Canteen,” and features a WWII salute to the troops.
“It’s the 75th anniversary of Bob Hope’s first performance before the troops,” said Event Chair Amanda Meidl, “and we wanted to pay homage to his spirit and that of The Greatest Generation.”
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and guests will be treated to a scrumptious dinner created by Great Expectations. Other events include pre-show entertainment and fun after dinner with show to follow.
“Peter Greyy is coming all the way from Seattle to emcee as Bob Crosby, assisted by our very own former Broadway performer, Joel Goodness as Bing Hope. It’s the first time these two will perform together, and I can’t wait to see it.”
Other entertainers include Ken Pelo, Amanda Meidl, the Lake Arrowhead Chorus, Two Left Feet, David Farmbrough, Michelle Newman, Lori Thompson, Maggie Dickinson, and the Sam Andrews Sisters – Julie Stoffel, Jill Joosten-Russell, Ann Hartley, and Melanie Kozlowski. The National Guard will present the colors, and Creepers Car Club will have period cars on display.
“The evening will be so much fun,” says Amanda, “you can come in costume or not, but the important thing is to enjoy the celebration – laugh, sing along, buy some raffle tickets, eat some fantastic food, and contribute to a great cause at the same time.”
Proceeds will go to support Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre programming. Tickets are $40 and include dinner and entertainment.
Bob Hope has been quoted as saying, “I’ve always been in the right place and time. Of course, I steered myself there.”
The WRCT 3rd Annual Theme Dinner is a great place to steer yourself on August 11. Call for reservations at 715-421-0435.
