TOO DEAD TO SWING

This audio theater program will delight listeners who love swing music. In the '40s, musician Katy Green fills in with an all-girl swing band, the Ultra Belles. As trains clickety-clack up the West Coast, Katy tries to get in sync with this dynamic group, but one band member after another meets an unfortunate end. More than a dozen actors take part in this fun revival piece; Simon Jones as the band's agent is particularly strong, and Ann Hampton Callaway's songs are a treat. Several songs are repeated in full at the end of the tape. It's a strong start for new publisher Audio-Playwrights, with careful attention to detail, music, and sounds effects. The less than compelling mystery underneath is all but forgiven. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 00]