MARINE CITY, MI–This summer, in the height of Red, White and Blue season, amidst small-town festivals, parades and fireworks displays, those seeking a unique patriotic experience should head to the Riverbank Theatre in Marine City for The Pin-Up Girls, a musical by James Hindman and Jeffrey Lodin.

The Pin-Up Girls is set at a fictional VFW hall that is slated to be closed down.  While helping to clean out the building, a small group of friends uncovers a box of letters written by deployed service members to their loved ones back home, going back 100 years.  The group is inspired by the letters to put on a farewell musical revue at the VFW, to honor and celebrate the authors of the letters, and all veterans.

The group consists of Leanne (Megan Vandeburghe), Dana (Michelle Wilson), Megan (Emily Holth), who have been singing buddies since high school.  The original fourth member of their alumnae group had the unfortunate timing of going into labor the day of the show, but the show must go on! So Leanne’s brother Joel (Anson Pavlov) agrees to step in as the fourth in their quartet.

In various combinations of solos, duets and quartets, the group performs musical numbers inspired by the letters, which are read throughout the show. The music spans many decades and musical styles, from Barbershop and Boogie-Woogie, to Broadway ballads and hip-hop. Much of the music will be familiar to the audience, with songs like: “Please, Mr. Postman;” “You Made Me Love You;” “Ain’t She Sweet;” “Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby;” “Someone To Watch Over Me;” “Turkey In The Straw;” “Single Ladies;” “Push It Good;” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

There is a good variety of numbers, from humorous and upbeat to plaintive and nostalgic. 

The letters that they read also span the gamut from romantic to sad, optimistic and funny.  One of the most moving scenes takes place as Leanne (Vandeberghe) sings “Letters From War,” while photos of actual letters and military service members of various branches are projected onto the rear screens.  The photos include relatives of the cast and crew, and emotions run thick as their names are read.

Visually, the set is very basic. Although not overly decked with stars and stripes, it does have a VFW hall vibe—a flag, a stage, a bar. The costumes also were not blatantly done in red, white and blue, but each character did sport a bright red item for continuity: shoes, belt, bracelets.

There was some room for improvement in two minor areas of this opening night performance.  First, the audio level was a little low (more so in Act I), which lessened the impact of a few vocal numbers, most notably the early solos. It did appear that adjustments were made in Act II, and hopefully can be easily corrected for future performances. Secondly, in certain moments the cast members seemed to let their concentration on vocals, dialogue or choreography show, causing them to momentarily slip out of character, or to reduce the intended energy of a musical number. That conceivably could be improved as the cast gets more performances under their belt.

Long time Riverbank associate Anita Newby, who has previously worked with playwright James Hindman, directs the cast of four in this show.  The production also features a three-piece onstage pit band (Colleen Everitt, Brian Mark, Edgar Atnip). 

The language, humor and story matter are appropriate for adolescents to adults, and the music will certainly appeal to multi-generational audiences.   Viewers will doubtlessly leave with an enhanced admiration and respect for service members and veterans.

The Pin-Up Girls is playing at The Riverbank Theatre through August 11, 2024.  Information at www.ThumbcoastTheaters.com