Letters, Music, and Memories (Highview Arts Center)
- stagedoorlouisville
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Pin-Up Girls Music, Lyrics and Book by James Hindman and Jeffrey Lodin Directed by Marc McHone
Review by Erin Hargan
Entire contents are copyright © 2026 Erin Hargan. All rights reserved.
Highview Arts Center's production of The Pin-Up Girls by James Hindman and Jeffrey Lodin is both a lively musical revue and a touching reminder of the human stories behind military service, offering spirited performances with moments of reflection and heart.
The set effectively recreates a VFW hall on the verge of closing its doors, providing a fitting backdrop for the story. As the characters discover letters exchanged between soldiers and their loved ones over the past hundred years, the space becomes the setting for a tribute filled with music, remembrance, and celebration. Costumes, props, and staging help bring the different time periods to life while keeping the focus on the stories being told through the letters.
The songs featured in The Pin-Up Girls span generations, reflecting the different eras represented in the letters. Included are classics such as George M. Cohan's "You're a Grand Old Flag" and The Andrews Sisters' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," alongside favorites like Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" and more contemporary hits including Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It" and Beyoncé's "Single Ladies." The variety of music helps bring each story to life while offering something familiar for audiences. Music Director Tyler W. Jewell accompanied the cast on keyboard, providing a strong musical foundation for the production.
Highview Arts Center double-cast the production into a Stars cast and a Stripes cast, with
alternating performances. The Stripes cast is the focus of this review. The Stripes cast works well together, bringing energy, humor, and heart to the production. Grace Lillianne plays Leanne, the leader of the group, giving a strong and heartfelt performance that shows her passion and leadership. The role is especially meaningful, as her character’s connection to the VFW hall reflects her own family history as her grandfather operated the post for 26 years.
Joy Beth DeWitt-Riley plays Meagan, bringing an infectious energy and strong sense of confidence to the role. She captures the character’s humor while maintaining a confident stage presence. Dana is played by Cadence Justice, bringing a youthful spirit and genuine excitement to the role. The character Joel is played by Jason Effinger. Joel is Leanne’s fun-loving younger brother whose humor and charm add warmth and comedy to the show as he steps in to help the Pin-Up Girls at the last minute. Effinger was highly entertaining in the role, delivering one of the evening's most memorable song-and-dance numbers with "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'."
By sharing the words of service members and their loved ones through letters and music, Highview Arts Center’s production of The Pin-Up Girls reminds audiences of the personal stories that endure during times of war. The music and dancing are lively and entertaining, but as our nation marks its 250th anniversary and reflects on the meaning of the recent Memorial Day, The Pin-Up Girls serves as a heartfelt tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who have served our country.
The Pin-Up Girls Highview Arts Center
June 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 pm June 7 and 14 at 2:30 pm
7406 Fegenbush Ln.
Louisville, KY 40228
(502) 783-6609
Glad you enjoyed it!