Hitchcock Thrillers Can Be "Heard" at The Playmakers
The Playmakers want to "see you on the radio" as Charles Osgood, host of "CBS Sunday Morning," says at the end of that television show (because he has a radio show also). You can "see" and "hear" a radio broadcast, set in the late 1940s, of three of Alfred Hitchcock's films, adapted for radio in the early days. "Vintage Hitchcock, A Live Radio Play" by Joe Landry opens on Saturday April 16 and runs through Sunday May 1 at the theater, located at 121 W. 3rd in downtown Grove.
Don't wait for a review from others. Attend opening weekend with some friends and be the first to experience the fun of hearing and seeing a live broadcast as it was produced in the past. Then you can spread the word. The show runs through May 1st on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and on Sundays at 2:00 pm. Don't wait. Make your reservations now online at groveplaymakers.com, by phone: (918) 786-8950, or by email: [email protected].
What better way to enjoy radio again, and introduce the younger "visual" generations to great mystery stories, than by bringing them to The Playmakers to hear three spooky and thrilling plays by The Master of Suspense himself, Alfred Hitchcock. The plays include adaptations of his first trademark film, "The Lodger" (1927)--it had a blond and it had suspense; "39 Steps" (1935) in which he created the "double-chase" and cranked up the "MacGuffin" (decoys) as a plot motor; and "Sabotage" (1936) with a plot device that Hitchcock himself regretted using. This is one show for family members from 6 yrs. of age and above. There are special ticket prices for students aged 6-12 ($5), and the regular student ticket price of $8 will now apply to those over twelve and has been expanded to include college students. Adult tickets are still only $15--less than the cost of a movie and snacks!
With no visual components, radio drama depended on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine the characters and story. Five accomplished actors will play multiple parts in these staged readings, modifying their voices (and a few hats) to indicate a new character. They are Jonathan Elmore, Pam Leptich, Marijo and Mark Napier and Tom Teel, who also directs. Carol Wilson and her son, Summer Biely, will help recreate live sound effects. There will also be vintage radio advertisements and jingles from the period.
Use your ears and imaginations to see the action that you're hearing, just as people did when it was a leading international form of popular entertainment. .Some will remember that time, before television, when families enjoyed gathering around the radio, maybe with popcorn or hot chocolate, to listen to mystery shows such as the "Lux Radio Theatre,"
