Amelia Earhart Playhouse performance of “World War II Radio Christmas” (Brent Hill)

The Christmas spirit is infectious at Wiesbaden’s Amelia Earhart Playhouse performance of “World War II Radio Christmas.”

Despite the realities of war, the magic of the season brings moments of joy to the world in this show that inspires pride in our nation and the selfless heroes that fight for freedom across the world.

Directed by Philippe Augustin, the talented ensemble cast whisks us away to a radio show being recorded live on Christmas Eve in 1944. Creative items provide sound effects, and delightful stories create a festive atmosphere as the radio program struggles to entertain a nation at war.

Amelia Earhart Playhouse performance of “World War II Radio Christmas” (Brent Hill)

Emcee, Warwick Fuller’s booming radio voice sets the tone of a bygone era. Cast members read cards to the troops, as well as the responses from war torn soldiers who do their best to stay positive in desperate situations. There are heroic scenes from the front, moments of humanity between enemies and the patriotism of service and sacrifice. The Christmas spirit is infectious at Wiesbaden’s Amelia Earhart Playhouse performance of “World War II Radio Christmas.”

In one joyful scene, Hattie (Julie Hodeen) and Jess (Eric Hodeen) meet at a party with playful exchanges and teasing, tender glances, brought a sense of joy to the audience. Their chemistry sizzled and sparked on stage like a downed power line. However, when Hattie receives devastating news, the emotional core of their connection reaches a heartbreaking climax. The sudden shift in tone, as Hattie’s face crumples turns the warmth of their budding love story into a cold, sharp moment of gut-wrenching sorrow as we feel every ounce of her loss. It is something both personal and reflective of the larger, profound losses experienced by families across America during the war.

It is not all heartbreak, though. Between tales, the hysterically nostalgic radio commercials for products like toothpaste, hair tonic and cigarettes lighten the mood. The ‘health benefits’ of smoking are promoted by a gravelly voiced starlet, barely able to speak over all her coughing, and we laugh uproariously.

Amelia Earhart Playhouse performance of “World War II Radio Christmas” (Brent Hill)

Throughout the performance the cast shows off their vocal talent, and the audience is encouraged to join in singing the many inspiring Christmas carols.

The set is a cozy radio station with three old fashioned microphones and a desk where sound effects are created using everything from coconuts to vocal cords. Costumes are perfectly tailored to the era with ladies in long skirts and meticulously pinned curls and clean-shaven men in woolen suits. The 1940s throwback continues with the “Applause” sign carried across the stage by an exuberant Stella Monogenis who dances across the stage, encouraging us to applaud while she flirts with the audience. Her periodic moments of levity balance the heavier scenes and foster the jolly Christmas mood.

Amelia Earhart Playhouse performance of “World War II Radio Christmas” (Brent Hill)

“World War II Radio Christmas” is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, swinging from patriotism to moments of reflection on the impact of war and laugh out loud scenes of radio foibles. It is a nostalgic performance leaving the audience with a poignant glimpse into the Christmastime of World War II.  

Performances are held at the Amelia Earhart Playhouse, 39 Konrad Adenauer Ring, USAG Wiesbaden

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