Copperstate Productions opens the return of “The Big Radio Broadcast of 1941” Friday, June 29.

The show runs from June 29 through July 29, at Fountain Hills Theater.

A small, independent Midwest radio station is set to finally “go national.” Everything, including their financial future, depends entirely on going live with the national radio programming. A sudden freak snowstorm knocks out any chance of receiving the national feed. But, the four employees realizing that, while they can’t receive, they can still broadcast. Can just four dedicated employees recreate an entire evening’s national radio broadcast? Can they save the station? Can they do it without falling in love? Well, if not, it won’t be for lack of trying!

“The Big Radio Broadcast of 1941”charmingly recreates the old radio programs with their comedy, news and intrigue segments, set to some of the most wonderful, original music of the period. The story of how this show came to be is nearly as touching and funny as the musical itself.

While visiting his mother, author Peter J. Hill was surprised when she brought out a small box of sheet music composed by Hill’s grandfather.

“Your Grandfather wrote all this music. The Andrews Sisters optioned some of these songs, but they never recorded them. Can you do anything with them?”

Hill took the music, listened to what turned out to be absolutely delightful tunes and created “The Big Radio Broadcast of 1941” around these songs by composer Gus Schneider.

Amazingly Peter Hill and Gus Schneider, his maternal grandfather, never met. Gus died the year Hill was born and now Hill finds a deep and meaningful connection to his past through Gus’s music.

“The Big Radio Broadcast of 1941” is directed by Peter J. Hill, musically directed by and produced by Copperstate Productions. The show stars Sarah Brisco, Hil, Thomas Niels Mangum and Barbara McBain.

Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for adults; and $12 for children under 17. Call 480-837-9661, ext. 3, or visit fhtaz.org to purchase.