In 1938, Orson Welles’ radio show production of “War of the Worlds” reportedly convinced throngs of Americans that Earth was being invaded by Martians.
Newspaper accounts revealed that frightened listeners left their homes, held wet towels over their faces to escape poisonous gas and called local police stations. Highways turned into parking lots in New York and New Jersey. Welles’ radio show continues to be an important broadcast in radio history, said Nita Hunter, one of the founders of RG Productions.
It is based on the 1898 H.G. Wells’ book, “The War of the Worlds.”
The acting troupe, which performs classic radio shows throughout the region, will bring its version of “War of the Worlds” to PM&L Theatre on Feb. 19.
The cast of eight actors and four sound specialists is dressing in 1940s attire, acting as though it is the 1940s, using the original script and creating sound effects as Welles did. “We also have a stunning visual that goes behind it,” Hunter said.
After the production, the audience can join in a discussion Welles and the use of sound effects.
In the radio show, Welles told the story of New Jersey residents witnessing the landing of a spaceship through a series of newscasts.
“Welles was a classic showman. He was the consummate leader. During the broadcast, he stood on the podium and directed everyone. It makes for a wonderful visual,” Hunter said.
Ed Godula, one of the production company’s actors, portrays Welles in the show, following what the old time radio show host did by pointing to sound effects specialists standing by old radio players to cue them. Godula is also the show’s director.
“When I think how people are on edge right now – about immigration and what’s happening with the press and media, if someone had a radio show today that talks about an attack – people might believe that, especially if they were just turning the dial on in the middle (of the show),” Hunter said.
Hunter founded RG Productions in the Kenosha, Wis. area with Joan Roehre and Leslie Utech. The group’s first performance was “The Shadow” in 2007 to honor Orson Welles, who was born in Kenosha.
The group has presented shows at PM&L Theatre for about eight years. “Each year about this time they generously invite us to perform classic old-time radio shows on their stage, which is a perfect venue for us,” Hunter said.
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Sheryl DeVore is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds Radio Production
When: 2:30 p.m., Feb. 19
Where: PML Theatre, 837 Main St., Antioch
Tickets: $10
Information: 847-395-3055; www.pmltheatre.com