[NEohioPAL] Preview of GLTG's "Radio Boy"

[Bob Abelman]

GLTG hopes Radio Boy turns into nice fundraiser

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This preview appeared in the News-Herald 11/13/09

 

Those of us connected to iPhones, Bluetooths and Blackberries or who seek our entertainment from Xbox 360s, MP3s and Wiis have no way of comprehending the thrill of listening to a live broadcast during radio's hay-day in the 1930s. 

 

Radio was the primary storyteller of the times, transporting audiences to other worlds through the magic of a well-written script, the artistry of the human voice and the listener's active imagination.

 

The Geauga Theater attempts to bring back the magic in its world premiere of an original radio drama, Radio Boy, written by Chesterland-based playwright Joanne Durante.  The production will run for three performances, starting this evening. 

 

The story follows the life of young Davey Foster, a child whose family moves to Chardon to find work during The Great Depression.  As Davey's world crumbles around him, his imagination and the radio become the tools he uses to put the pieces of his life back together. 

According to director Mark Cipra, the production is a radio drama within a drama.  As Davey listens to the radio-whose programming is enacted on stage by the performers in their studio-the stories that are being told become those of the boy's life.  "Boundaries blur in this drama," notes Cipra, "as the play's focus shifts between the staged radio drama, Davey's world, and Davey's fertile imagination."

 

The playwright intends to demonstrate how Davey's favorite shows are brought to life by showing the audience the actors, the orchestra and sound effects man at work.  "They are taken into worlds of romance, crime, and old-time vaudeville," notes Durante.  However, she also wants the audience to enter Davey's mind as he hears these stories in order to best understand how the now-archaic technology of radio broadcasting had the power to transform lives.

 

The Foster family will be played by Adam Thompson, Sean Thompson, Marian Sparent and Sarah Wyatt.  Other cast members include Nicky Bucur, Robin Cooper, Jeral Hurd, Bruce Locke, Nate Locke, Jordan Martin, Michael McArthur, Valerie McArthur, Elaine Mesaros, Angela Miloro, Karie Russell and Kris Smith.

 

Local area businesses will have an opportunity to become involved in Radio Boy by having their commercials performed as part of the on-stage radio production.  Tonight's performance will also include a pre-show educational discussion with Geauga County elders who experienced The Great Depression. The play is being recorded for broadcast in December over WKHR FM 91.5 radio.  

 

The Saturday night production is a Gala event, where high-end donors will receive premium seats, a special gift, and the opportunity to attend a pre-show party at Gallery West. This festive event is the official kick-off of the CREATE! initiative, which will generate funds to renovate the Water Street property into a vibrant art center serving Geauga County and the adjacent communities. 

 

The Sunday matinee is a pay-it-forward gift to the community, with audience members donating whatever they can afford to attend the performance.

 

Details

 

What:      Radio Boy.

When:     Today through November 15 (8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday).  

Where:    Geauga Theater, 106 Water Street, Chardon.

Tickets:   $20 on Friday, $20/$35/$100 on Saturday, pay what you can on Sunday.

Info:         440-286-2255 or www.geugatheater.org.
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