Arts and Entertainment

'In the Mood' swings into Eisenhower May 27; tickets on sale Dec. 10

The big band music-and-dance revue "In the Mood" swings into Eisenhower Auditorium on May 27, and tickets for the show go on sale at 9 a.m. on Dec. 10. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 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. 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.

Concert tickets are $45 for a seat in the orchestra or grand tier and $33 for a seat in the balcony. Purchase by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 10 and save $10 per ticket.

Beginning at 9 a.m. Dec. 10, buy tickets online or by phone at 814-863-0255. Outside the calling area, dial 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.

Watch a preview of “In the Mood."

“In the Mood” recreates the Swing 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.

Visit the website for more information about the show.

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Last Updated December 16, 2014