‘In the Mood’ swings into Eisenhower in May

Tickets are now on sale for “In the Mood,” a brassy, upbeat celebration of America’s greatest generation through the music and dance of the 1940s.

The Artbeat Inc. presentation — featuring the String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra and the “In the Mood” singers and dancers — comes to Eisenhower Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27.

The 19-member company performs songs made famous by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and other idols of the swing era.

“In the Mood” recreates the era with sizzling choreography, sassy costumes and unforgettable songs — such as “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (of Company B),” “In the Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Sing, Sing, Sing” and more — performed live on stage.

Swing music inspired America with a vision for the future filled with promise and prosperity. The music moved the nation’s spirit and helped sustain morale during World War II. “In the Mood” evokes the rhythmic, jazzy, sentimental, romantic and patriotic music of that time.

“In the Mood” creator and producer Bud Forrest is a Juilliard-trained pianist and conductor who served as accompanist for The Singing Sergeants, the official chorus of the U.S. Air Force. The late Vic Schoen, the show’s primary arranger, created the arrangements for the legendary Andrews Sisters.

Tickets can be purchased online or by phone at (814) 863-0255 or (800) ARTS-TIX. Tickets will also be available at four State College locations: Eisenhower Auditorium (weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Penn State Downtown Theatre Center (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays ,10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), HUB-Robeson Center Information Desk (weekdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., when Penn State classes are in session) and Bryce Jordan Center (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

Group discounts are also available. A group of 10 or more saves $10 off the regular price of each ticket. Contact Sherren McKenzie, group sales coordinator, at (814) 865-5340 or arts-group-sales@psu.edu for information.

Popular Stories:

The Sandusky Gift That Keeps on Giving

New Year Promises Hope and Hardship for The Autoport Motel

DNA Analysis Company Draws Interest From Around the Country

Mount Nittany Inn closes

Centre County Report: The Quest for the Best Burrito

Happy Valley Heroes

Pinstripe Bowl & December Paid Big Dividends for Franklin, Penn State Football

Penn State Football: Glimpses Of Future Shine Through In Nittany Lion Victory

Zettel’s Math: The Difference Between 7-6 and 6-7 for Penn State Football

Penn State Tops Boston College in Overtime, Wins Pinstripe Bowl 31-30

Penn State Football: Catharsis Found As Nittany Lions Take Home Bowl Victory