A! Magazine for the Arts

Theatre Bristol On Air Presents 'The War of the Worlds'

September 30, 2020

Theatre Bristol is “Keeping Drama On –and Off– Stage,” with the frst Theatre Bristol On Air production of the fall season, “The War of the Worlds,” featuring a talented cast under the direction of Dottie Havlik.

The #TBKDOS Series launches with Theatre Bristol On Air, a radio drama throw-back to Theatre Bristol’s days of “Don’t Touch That Dial.” Theatre Bristol On Air’s production of “The War of the Worlds” airs on radio 89.5 WETS, Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. Throughout the month of October, the program is available on various podcast services and the Theatre Bristol website.

Originally broadcast from New York’s Mercury Theatre in 1938, this infamous radio play, based on the novel by H. G. Wells, had many terrified listeners convinced that an actual alien invasion of Earth was taking place. This original script detailing the frightening tale of an extraterrestrial takeover, is brought to life to thrill and chill audiences.

Leading the classic radio show is Dottie Havlik, serving as director and the program announcer. The cast is made up of both long-time veterans, as well as some new-to-Theatre Bristol performers, including Andrew Hunt, Steve Basket and Mary Ellis Rice as announcers, Robert McCrary as Orson Welles, General Smith and an operator, Bailey George as an announcer and operator, James Francis as Phillips and an operator, Fred Dunagan as Professor Pierson, David Maloney as a police o=cer and commander, John Runde as Wilmuth, McDonald, and an operator, Joey Collard as Captain Lansing, an officer and operator, Sarah King as a Red Cross Representative, Secretary of the Interior, and an observer, and Jacob Maurer as a gunner and a stranger. Camille Gray serves as the audio technician and Samantha Gray is the producer.

More opportunities to participate with Theatre Bristol On Air are coming soon. Auditions for the online-rehearsed production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” directed by Glenn Patterson are Sept. 26, 27 and 28, with registration open at www.TheatreBristol.org/audition. Rehearsal schedule and roles are also available at the Theatre Bristol website. The November and December airing information, including the presentation on 89.5 WETS radio, as well as your favorite podcast services will be announced at www.TheatreBristol.org.

Visit www.TheatreBristol.org for more #TBKDOS opportunities including Reader’s Theatre Bristol script readings for all ages and Quaranteam Theatre Bristol for families. For more information, visit Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.

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