Classic sci-fi radio broadcast to be performed on stage.Byline: The Register-Guard War of the Worlds Radio Redux Refers to being brought back, revived or restored. From the Latin "reducere." at the Wildish Friday through Sunday The Golden Age of radio comes alive in a re-creation of the 1938 radio program "War of the Worlds," which opens Friday for a weekend run at the Wildish Community Theater, 630 Main St., Springfield. OPENING THIS WEEK The broadcast classic, presented by Fred Crafts' Radio Redux, is based on H.G. Wells' novel of the same name. The original Oct. 30, 1938, program by the Mercury Theatre The Mercury Theatre was a theatre company founded in New York City by Orson Welles and John Houseman. They had initial success in the theatre, then went to radio in 1938 as The Mercury Theatre on the Air of the Air starred Orson Welles. It was so realistic that many listeners were convinced Martians had landed in New York City New York City: see New York, city. New York City City (pop., 2000: 8,008,278), southeastern New York, at the mouth of the Hudson River. The largest city in the U.S. . " `War of the Worlds' is essentially a horror story horror story Story intended to elicit a strong feeling of fear. Such tales are of ancient origin and form a substantial part of folk literature. They may feature supernatural elements such as ghosts, witches, or vampires or address more realistic psychological fears. that was done on the radio as a Halloween prank," said Crafts, the show's director and producer. "The fact that some people took it so seriously they panicked is a testament to the dramatic powers of this chilling tale." Crafts' production features local actors Kim Donahey, Ken Hof, Frank Muhr, Bary Shaw, Shandi Sinammon and Steve Wehmeier, among others. "We have one of the finest casts ever assembled for a local production," Crafts said. "Each performer has been a headliner head·lin·er n. A performer who receives prominent billing; a star. Noun 1. headliner - a performer who receives prominent billing star in productions at leading theaters in the area. "Now they blend their formidable individual talents into a spectacular ensemble." Crafts said Radio Redux simulates old-time radio  This article or section may deal primarily with the U.S. and may not present a worldwide view. broadcasts by
having actors perform vintage radio scripts before an audience.
The actors dress in 1940s-style clothing - sometimes with costume pieces that enhance characterization (such as cowboy outfits during a Western story). "The sound effects sound effects Noun, pl sounds artificially produced to make a play, esp. a radio play, more realistic sound effects npl → efectos mpl sonoros are done live," Crafts said. "As a result, the show contains plenty of movement for the audience to see, as well as a gripping story for them to hear." Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 per person. Tickets are available by calling Willamalane Park and Recreation District at 736-4544. Tickets will also be sold at the door, if available. The "War of the Worlds" production inaugurates a four-show series by Radio Redux at Wildish Community Theater. Other productions are scheduled for Jan. 8-10, April 2-4 and June 18-20. |
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