Sunday Night Playhouse - Ziegfeld Follies of the Air - 1936

This week on Vintage Classic Radio's "Sunday Night Playhouse," we journey back to the golden era of radio with a special presentation of "Ziegfeld Follies of the Air 1936," originally broadcasted by Lux Radio Theatre on February 29, 1936. This radio play, an adaptation of the illustrious stage show created by Florenz Ziegfeld, captures the essence of 1930s entertainment and brings it to life for modern audiences. The Ziegfeld Follies, a hallmark of American entertainment, transitioned from the stage to the airwaves during the 1930s, thanks to CBS Radio. This adaptation, a blend of music, comedy, and drama, was part of a series that aired as a tribute to Florenz Ziegfeld after his passing in 1932. The radio adaptation, authored by the talented team at Lux Radio Theatre, keeps the spirit of Ziegfeld's vision alive, infusing each episode with the glamour and allure of the original stage shows. Hosted by Eddie Dowling and featuring the musical direction of Al Goodman, this episode showcases a stunning array of talent. Notable performances include Fanny Brice, bringing her comedic genius in the role of Baby Snooks; Helen Morgan, with her enchanting vocal performances; and Jack Pearl, who introduces the audience to the humorous character of "Baron Munchausen." The episode also stars Will Rogers, delivering his trademark wit, and a rare radio appearance by Ziegfeld himself. The cast list for this memorable broadcast includes: Eddie Dowling as the Host Al Goodman leading the Orchestra Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks Helen Morgan in various musical numbers Jack Pearl as Baron Munchausen Will Rogers in comedic monologues Florenz Ziegfeld in a special appearance Other notable guests include Patty Chapin, James Melton, and Benny Fields, each adding their unique flair to this historic broadcast. "Ziegfeld Follies of the Air 1936" is a rare gem, a glimpse into the past when radio reigned supreme. Few episodes of this series survive, making this broadcast a precious piece of entertainment history. Tune in to Vintage Classic Radio this Sunday for an unforgettable trip down memory lane, celebrating the legacy of one of America's greatest showmen, Florenz Ziegfeld.