New theater troupe debuts with a spoof.

Byline: FRED CRAFTS The Register-Guard

For the Springfield Community Theatre's initial venture, founder and director Bobby Erdrich is having a blast with the past.

Specifically, she is tuning into her memories of the glorious days of yesteryear into a faux radio broadcast, a good-natured ribbing of 1930s programs such as "The Lone Ranger" and "Ma Perkins," which were treasured in households across America.

Of course, Erdrich has her own spin on the subject. Her original 90-minute spoof has segments called "The Lone Stranger" and "Ma Gherkins."

The Lone Stranger's faithful companion is Pronto, and his horse is named Bronze. The show also takes satirical shots at "Little Orpha Ninnie," "Count Spatula," "Chat with Cherry and Charles" and even Little Dollie Dimple on "Major Woe's Very Amateur Hour." Yes, it's that kind of show.

Erdrich, who says she has been directing in various Oregon cities for the past 32 years and founded the Junction Players in Cave Junction, wrote "Delux Radio Theater" 10 years ago. She has produced it four times.

"Everybody just loved it," she says.

After moving to Springfield about a year ago, she wanted to do the show but couldn't find a theatrical company in Springfield. So she created one herself: the Springfield Community Theatre.

Erdrich is the artistic director, Dave Muldur is president, and Arianne Harlow is secretary-treasurer. The initial budget was $90, which Erdrich herself contributed.

The show will be staged in the Emerald Art Gallery, 500 Main St., where Erdrich is a member. Seating will be limited to approximately 100 people.

When the new Wildish Theatre project is completed, Erdrich intends to move her fledgling company there.

To obtain actors, she ran notices in local newspapers. From those who turned out, she assembled a cast that includes veterans of plays at the Very Little Theatre, Actors Cabaret of Eugene, Lord Leebrick Theatre, Cottage Theatre and elsewhere.

The cast is headed by James "Izzy" Whetstine as the announcer and Rick Lloyd as the sound effects man. The others - Arianne Harlow, Mary Mason, Helen Gallagher and Erdrich herself - play multiple roles.

"Delux Radio Theater" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Oct. 25-26 and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and 27 at the Emerald Art Gallery, 500 Main St., Springfield. Tickets are $10, at the door. Information: 746-1122.

CAPTION(S):

(From left) Helen Gallagher, Jay Searle, Arianne Harlow, playwright and director Bobby Erdrich and Mary Mason harmonize in ``Delux Radio Theater,'' a satire of old-time radio programs.