Photography from Kilroy Was Here!: A Visual Retrospective
By: Andrew Bermudez
(Mustache Maniacs Film Co. Headquarters; May 7, 2015)
While this was a day late, we would like to continue Kilroy Was Here! Month with this special photo journal from the play! All of these photos, many of which have never been released online before, recount many of the events that occur in this period musical and were all taken by photographer Jim Freeman (you might remember him as the voice actor for Legoman). Now here, re-told in photos, is a summary of the play that was performed ten years ago.
At the beginning of the story, riveters Gladys, Valerie, and Melba find out about the U.S. ships that have been recently sunk by Nazi U-Boats. Spies are everywhere, but no one is quite sure who to trust. For the record, this photo is the only one here not taken by Jim Freeman.
At the local U.S.O. Club, air raid warden Mr. Wilcox clears the room so that government agents Elliot and Horace can talk to the club's owner, Ruth Taylor in private. In order to stop the Nazi spies, the agents will be using the club as a "home base" of sorts in order to keep an eye on events.
Later inside the club, everyone gets ready for the weekly radio broadcast that is going to be held later that night. It is revealed that the protagonist, Private Joe Kilroy (officially Dr. Charles Kilroy's first cousin - separated in age by 22 years), takes a fancy to doodling the famous Kilroy Was Here drawing. He also has eyes for Gladys, who is now a hostess, and everyone has a good time.
However, the revelry is cut short when an M.P. arrests Kilroy for doodling in wet cement and thus defacing government property. He is hauled off, but Ruth raises everyone's spirits with the patriotic song "Together We Must Stand."
Later, U.S.O. representative Mrs. King invites Life Magazine to report on the club and life there. Club assistant Angie gets everything sorted out for the event.
But all is not well. Kilroy is now in the hands of the Nazi spies - including Angie and the M.P.! They try to interrogate him on the location of the troop ship's rendezvous point, but Kilroy won't give them, trying to lie. They at last seem to get the truth, but the government agents rush in and capture some of the spies; Angie and Sullivan have already left.
Back at the club, the radio broadcast is on-going, but Angie and Sullivan try to get away. However, the government agents arrive and stop them. Kilroy then reveals that he too is a government agent and will be shipping out with the rest of the troops. An account of Kilroy on the battlefield is featured in the upcoming animated film A Future in the Past.
The production ends with a major musical finale, which includes a salute to the five branches of the U.S. military. Shown here is Mr. Wilcox carrying the flag for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Now, just to reflect back on the play, here are some more photos that we couldn't fit in above.
That's all for this visual retrospective. Join us on May 10, as we reveal the character designs for Baron Von Stuka IV, Fritz, and the German infantry. And, if you have absolutely no idea what this is all about, check out the Wikia article for this play. Finally, as one last plug, SIGN UP FOR AUDITIONS TODAY!!!
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