Tap Sensation perform at the 1940s Family Fun Fair. photo: David Harvey
Arizona Theatre Company and the Children’s Museum Tucson (formally named Tucson Children’s Museum) are teaming up to produce the “1940s Family Fun Fair: Red, White and Yonkers,” turning the street that connects them into a giant entertainment venue.
Jeff Grynkewich, Arizona Theatre Company’s (ATC) Marketing and PR Manager, says he expects several thousand people to attend the festival on Saturday, March 19.
Children’s Museum Tucson (CMT), celebrating its 25th anniversary, and ATC, celebrating the Neil Simon hit play “Lost in Yonkers” are jointly sponsoring the free event, happening from 10am to 2pm. Closed to traffic, Scott Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets will overflow with nostalgic activities and merrymaking, as will the Temple of Music and Art Courtyard.
The performances will be emceed by local radio personality Bobby Rich and well-known actor Bob Sorenson, and feature USO-themed music, dancing and story telling. Prepare to enjoy singing by Desert Melodies and Wendy Roman, dancing by Tap Sensation and Tucson Lindy Hop, Skrappy’s and Belly Dance Tucson.
Other attractions set to transport attendees back in time are Truly Nolen’s vintage cars, the Packard Club of America, the 25-foot replica of the USS TUCSON (a WWII era submarine), food vendors and a radio remote broadcast by 94.9 MIX FM.
During the early 1940s, the war years, an unparalleled patriotic attitude of unity and encouragement for America’s military efforts overseas prevailed throughout the nation, and ATC is attempting to recreate this mood by collecting care and comfort'donations at the event for “Packages from Home,” an organization supporting overseas troops. '
Peggy Solis, CMT’s Director of Community Relations and Marketing, and Brooke Sanders-Silverman, CMT’s Director of Education, enthusiastically describe what the Children’s Museum Tucson (sporting a new name and logo in honor of its silver anniversary) will offer: free admission, jugglers, hula hoopers, a jumping castle and rock wall, face painters, mini-train rides, and a series of tents representing specific events from the museum’s history.
The carnival atmosphere will be echoed both inside the facility and outside on the lawn, with ice cream and popcorn, too. The museum honors its anniversary throughout the year with $2 admission on the 25th of each month, and other special opportunities related to “25” for members.'' '
Visit ChildrensMuseumTucson.org and ArizonaTheatre.org for information on the organizations.'
