The Great American History Theater's
Christmas of Swing sets toes tapping

by Elizabeth Weir

The Great American History Theatre's third revival of its cheery Christmas OF Swing offers audience an irresistible hug of nostalgia for a time when the country was united in a groundswell of patriotism behind its armed forces in World War II, a time so different from now, in a USA divided over the Iraq War.

With style and great pipes, Norah Long, Pattty Nieman and Ruthie Baker capture the Andrew Sisters' distinctive harmonizing and sing some 30 of their greatest hits from the '40s and '50s—snappy numbers like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Pistol-Packin' Mama," and a whole slew of Christmas favorites.

The sisters entertained US troops around the world and, in a time of new war, this revue tugs at the heart, as soldiers write letters from the front, yearning for home for Christmas. and the Andrew Sisters respond in song. Christmas of Swing will have particular appeal for audiences who grew up after WWII, listening to the Andrews Sisters' hits.

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Elizabeth Weir is a freelance writer, reviewer for Talkinbroadway.com and a poet.