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Last Minute Plans: Radio Plays! In Person!

By Julienne Bilker in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 16, 2009 9:15PM

2009_07_16_Radio.jpg
photo via dcatheater.org

There are probably few of you reading this who remember what it was like to gather 'round the radio for the newest installment of The Shadow, FBI In Peace And War, or The Green Hornet. Actually, we only know of one for sure (Hi Dad!). But just because you weren't there the first time around doesn't mean you won't enjoy some classic entertainment. For tonight only, The AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players present Fog from "The Whistler" and Mr. Sycamore from "The Columbia Workshop," two radio scripts originally broadcast in 1942 and 1937, respectively.

The performance will be done in old-school fashion, including sound effects by foley artists, and most importantly, no retakes. In case you're not charmed enough by the idea, check out the descriptions for what's on tap tonight:

Fog
Spooky! It's a foggy night on the waterfront as a sea captain and Danny, one of his crew (who is armed), are out to collect a long overdue debt owed to the sailor by the dangerous Duke Moran. En route, Danny falls, injures his head, and immediately loses his memory. In a panic, he runs from the captain. An hour later the police find the dead body of Duke Moran. Could it be that the amnesiac Danny pulled the trigger? Stay tuned.

Mr. Sycamore
In this lovely and highly imaginative tale, John Gwilt makes a decision. After twenty years of tramping through the streets of his small town delivering mail in all kinds of weather, he's going to quit his boring and fatiguing job and remain serene and stationary in his backyard for the rest of his life. He tells his wife Jane that he intends to become a tree! Go figure.

The event is free and no reservations are required.

Fog and Mr. Sycamore, FREE! Doors at 6:30, 7pm performance. AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players at Claudia Cassidy Theater at The Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 312-744-6630