During World War II, rallying people back on the homefront was a vital part of the war effort.
Entertainment spectaculars helped keep morale up in the face of rationing, while also raising money to support the military. At the same time, the singing, dancing and laughter was an opportunity for the community to show their unity during such a difficult time.
The power of those rallies will be back on display today at the Historic Artcraft Theatre. “Pappy Wilson Goes to War” is a live radio-style production being staged by the New Mercury Players, a local theater troupe.
Attendees are invited to step back into the summer of 1943 with a World War II rally featuring patriotic music, calls of support from the homefront and some humorous skits.
The star of the show is Pappy Wilson, a fictional character envisioned as a breakfast-food magnate and radio celebrity based in Franklin. Pappy has been featured in numerous other radio-style performances by the New Mercury Players.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. today at the Artcraft, 57 N. Main St. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $6 for seniors 55 and over, military, students and children 12 and under.
For more information, go to historicartcrafttheatre.org.
