As part of this month’s Miracle or 2 Monthly Marquee, we are excited to highlight The All Hands on Deck! Show! This all-American 1940s musical salute brings the nostalgic energy of the USO tours to the stage with timeless tunes, high-energy choreography, and heartwarming patriotism. We sat down with the show’s creator, Jody Madaras, to talk about the inspiration behind the show, his creative process, and what makes this production resonate with audiences across the country.
How would you describe The All Hands on Deck! Show to someone who has never seen it?
It’s a feel-great, high-energy step into the world of 1942 America – with 42 of the Greatest American Songs ever written, that audiences end up singing along with!
What inspired you to create The All Hands on Deck! Show?
I wanted to write an authentic musical revue that captures a time in America when our country was fully united.
The All Hands on Deck! Show is filled with music from the 1940s. How did you select the songs for the show?
I began with focusing on the big-band era and theatre songs that I already knew and love — songs that made my heart beat a little faster. My Grandma Madaras’ favorite song of that time was “Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe” – it’s in the score to honor her for teaching me love of country. I then used the “Hollywood Victory Caravan” as the backdrop to craft the characters and story. Having some fun tap dancing was also a must. Songs like “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “I’m In The Mood For Love,” “Embraceable You,” “South Of The Border” and “Don’t Fence Me In” are my personal favorites from the score.
What message do you hope audiences take away from the production?
The importance of American unity, and that very audience member walks out of the theatre feeling that they have something to contribute to our country. Messages which resonates today more than ever!
The All Hands on Deck! Show has been performed in many theaters across the country. Can you share a particularly memorable performance or moment from one of these productions?
The show has been seen by thousands of patrons over the years; and one of my favorite moments came at Surflight Theatre in NJ. Following a performance, the stage manager paged me to say that an older gentleman had made his way onstage and was playing with the old Shure Fatboy microphones. When I approached him, he stated he was very upset with me and the show — because it brought back some of the sad times of WWII (He was a WWII veteran). But then, as he slowly circled the old microphones, and in the quiet, he turned to me suddenly and with an eye-brow raised and unfolding smile said, “But you also made me remember all the great times — and I had a lot of them. A lot of great times.” He shook my hand and quietly walked away. A powerful moment, and testament to the great songs, their lyrics, and the authentic quality of the orchestrations — not to mention a fun-filled script with the emotional ups and downs of that time in our country’s history.
What has been your favorite part of the journey in creating and sharing The All Hands on Deck! Show?
I love seeing children and young families sitting in the audience — many of whom are experiencing these songs, this American history, super talented performers who sing, dance and act and carry the very essence of the Greatest Generation, for the first time. To see a young face smiling and tapping their toes and shaking their head with the beat of the songs — and knowing that they take that with them — that is my favorite part.
The All Hands on Deck! Show lends itself to some great choreography numbers. Was that intentional when creating the show, or did it happen organically?
I had created the orchestrations and script first in order to serve the authenticity. The choreography came about through a rather fun-filled collaboration with our first cast in rehearsals.
For theaters considering producing The All Hands on Deck! Show, what advice would you give them?
Cast singing actors who have great harmony skills and who move well. Tap is a plus. Endeavor to understand the script and jokes fully (research if you must), and trust that singing the songs with honesty and innocence will be the wind beneath your wings to victory onstage.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any new projects that you’d like to share with us?
My current assignment is as Artistic Director for the Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts in Hampton, Virginia. Down the road, I hope to premiere a new musical revue based on Ray Charles.
Thank you, Jody, for sharing your insights and the heart behind The All Hands on Deck! Show. It’s been a pleasure highlighting your work this month. If you’re interested in bringing this patriotic salute to your theater, click here. Stay tuned for more spotlight features in our Miracle or 2 Monthly Marquee series!