GIRL OF MY DREAMS: March 15-May 14, 2006

Music by Peter Ekstrom
Lyrics by Steve Hayes and Peter Ekstrom
Book and Additional Lyrics by David DeBoy
Vocal arrangements by Peter Ekstrom

Experience the 1940s as they come to life in this funny, heartfelt, and tremendously entertaining new musical! Developed through Village Theatre’s Village Originals program, Girl of My Dreams combines winning drama and 1940s inspired tunes. Performing for the troops of World War II, a traveling USO Troupe discovers life and love as they encounter the world and embark on an eye-opening journey.This diverse and spectacular group of performers will warm your heart as they tickle your funny bone. Step back in time to salute "The Greatest Generation" and fall in love!

Learn more about the history of the USO.

To hear the selection, click on the song title.

"Girl of My Dreams"

"Coffee and Donuts"

"Pin-Up Girls"

"Nocturne Lullaby"

'Girl of My Dreams' entertaining -The Herald

"This is the dream you won't want to wake up from" -The Beacon

'Girl of My Dreams' premieres in Everett
Songs inspired by 1940s USO acts highlight this engaging Village Theatre musical making its West Coast debut. -The Herald

"This is top-notch musical theater" -The Enterprise

Musical recalls risks, sacrifices of USO troupes -Diane Wright, Seattle Times

"The show has a peppy period score... and a vivacious cast..." -Seattle Times

"...(H)ummable songs... melodic period-style score by Peter Ekstrom, Steve Hayes and David DeBoy. The title song is a charming, memorable ballad, and three funny showstoppers -- "Pin-Up Girls," "When It's Over, There in Dover," and "The Ladies Always Go For the Brass" -- pile one on top of the other in the middle of the first act. These numbers are well staged by director-choreographer Steve Tomkins and smartly performed." -Variety

"Directed and choreographed with snap and sharp fidelity to the period... loaded with talented performers... packed with hummable '40s pastiche tunes... the genial score is a pleasure and Ekstrom's melodies leave a lingering hummability in your head as you leave the theatre." -Talkin' Broadway

"Success has been achieved." -Broadwayworld.com

"The original music and lyrics... left audiences humming as they filed out of the theatre...it should one day be considered in the ranks of other wartime musicals depicting the period, like South Pacific." -Issaquah Press

"Their affectionate take on the simple boy-meets-girl backstage musicals of midcentury--with the occasional naughtiness of the burlesque hall--makes for an experience that is energetic... emotionally rich." -Seattle P-I

Photo Preview: Girl of My Dreams at Village Theatre -Broadwayworld.com

"Singing the praises of stage & and home" (Profile of Taryn Darr) -Seattle Times

"Girl of My Dreams is at last a full-scale musical reality at Village Theatre" -Seattle P-I

My Own Music By Peter Ekstrom- Encore City Arts

Village Theatre Presents West Coast Premiere of USO Musical Girl of My Dreams -Broadwayworld.com

Girl of My Dreams, an Old-Fashioned Book Musical About the USO, Plays Pacific Northwest -Playbill

Production length: Act I is 1 hour 17 minutes; Act II is 1 hour 6 minutes. There is one 15 minute intermission.

Production information: Click here to view the Family Guide.

Production Team:
Directed & Choreographed by Steve Tomkins
Musical Direction by Tim Symons
Scenic Design by Carey Wong
Costume Design by Deane Middleton

Cast in alphabetical order:
Freddy.....................Jason Collins
Phil Gold...................Joshua M. Bott
Ben Piper..................Chris Clay
Liz Dodson/Laurie........Taryn Darr
Grandad....................Hugh Hastings
Cindy Hawthorne........Mariah Taylor
Effie Lawrence...........Kathryn Van Meter
Luke Wheeler...........David Jon Wilson