‘Sisters of Swing’ continues at Evergreen Center Stage this weekend and next

Maxene, Patty and LaVerne are not exactly household names today, but when you add their last name — Andrews — they become one of the top female groups of all time. Sisters of Swing is a jukebox musical about the famous trio produced by Ovation West Theatre Company in partnership with Vintage Theatre.

Directed and choreographed by Stephanie Faatz Murry with musical arrangements by Raymond Berg, Sisters of Swing captures the success of the Andrews Sisters while drawing the curtain back on the three women’s tumultuous personal lives.

Maxene (Bethany Luhrs), Patty (Sam Barrasso), and LaVerne (Tracy Denver) were born in Minneapolis and began their careers in the 1930s. They became one of the hottest musical acts in the 1940s because of their close-harmonic singing style and energetic performances. Some memorable tunes include “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”  and “Bei Mir Bist Du Schön,” to name just two.

Although highly successful as a group, Patty had a different idea about her career trajectory and launched a solo act without ever telling her sisters.  Maxene and LaVerne learned about it in the gossip columns, thus driving a wedge between the group. Additionally, there was intense bickering over the estate of their deceased parents, further straining their relationship. Tragically, LaVerne died from cancer in 1967, ending the possibility of a full-out reunion of the Andrews Sisters once and for all.

Close harmonies

As the three Andrews Sisters, Luhrs, Barrasso and Denver, all capture the spirit of the Andrews Sisters’ musical prowess and ably handle the close harmony required by the musical genre. Each actor is given the opportunity to showcase their strength as a singer with a solo performance, and all three rise to the occasion admirably.

Under the direction of Murry, the musical moves along at a lively pace, prioritizing the vibrant musical numbers. While the music takes center stage, some script elements that delve into the unique story of the Andrews Sisters are touched upon more lightly, leaving the audience focused solely on the musical experience. A backstory is being told that doesn’t always make it to the forefront.

Heather Iris Holt is the music director, and on the keyboard of the sharp four-piece band located at the back of the playing area.

This production captivates audiences of all ages, but it holds a special appeal for the older generation who may fondly remember the Andrews Sisters and the timeless music they made famous.

Sisters of Swing recently concluded its run at Vintage Theatre but continues at Center Stage in Evergreen for two more toe-tapping weeks through February 2.