Fred Waring's America

Boal Theater Stages 'Fred Waring Show'

The "Fred Waring Radio Show," a scripted re-creation of a 1940s radio program will be performed live at the State College Community Theatre, Boal Barn, September 5-7, September 9 and September 12-15.

The "Fred Waring Radio Show" will consist of three programs rolled into one two-hour show. This tribute to Fred Waring is modeled after his popular 1940s Chesterfield Pleasure Time radio show which aired every night, Monday through Friday from 7:00-7:15 p.m. on the East Coast and again from 11:00-11:15 p.m., for the West Coast. A recreation of the musically packed, energetic radio program, the tribute show will consist of an east coast show, an in-between show, and a West Coast show. The in-between‚ show will be a Varsity Showcase‚ featuring top singers, ensembles and acts being considered for the Fred Waring radio show.

The "Fred Waring Radio Show" is a production of the Center for the Study of Free Institutions and Civic Education (FICE Center), part of the College of Education at Penn State. The producer of the show is David Saxe, associate professor of education and the director of the center. The FICE Center offers opportunities to study, research and discuss Western civilization, free institutions and American heritage. In addition to classes and programs, FICE activities will include symposia, educational and research programs, celebrations and performances, and publications. The center will provide outreach to schools, businesses, alumni and private organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Famous band leader, choral conductor and showman, known as "The Man Who Taught America How To Sing," Fred Waring was a megastar throughout the 1930s and 40s who had produced dozens of Top 10 hits with his orchestra and hosted a series of nationally broadcast radio shows. His group was considered the premiere radio band of the day and it was through radio that Fred Waring became a household name.

Fred Waring and his group "The Pennsylvanians" made their debut on radio in 1933 with a weekly CBS show sponsored by Old Gold Cigarettes. Then in 1934 the Ford Dealers of America sponsored a twice weekly show. Starting in June of 1939, they went on the air with the Chesterfield Pleasure Time Show every night, five days a week, all 52 weeks of the year, for the next six years.

To research and prepare for this production, FICE center members are studying the original Fred Waring radio broadcast recordings, radio scripts, photographs, memorabilia and other materials that are part of the Fred Waring's America collection.