The original radio play "War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells is coming to BRCT. Director Bill Alexander will bring the radio broadcast that changed American in October of 1938 and rebroadcast it to our audiences from the stage with all the energy and authenticity of the premier presentation. It is a night you will not want to miss.

This broadcasted imagery produced through sound effects and acting was so powerful, it caused mass hysteria. Thousands of listeners panicked nationwide, not realizing it was just a radio play, even though disclaimers were announced before and during the production.

Following the original production, United Press reported "The Federal Communications Commission investigated a radio program which caused thousands of persons in every part of the country to believe that the eastern United States had been invaded by creatures from the planet Mars in the first engagement of a 'war of the world.'"

Expressing profound regret that his dramatic efforts should cause such consternation, Mr. Welles said, "I don't think we will choose anything like this again." He hesitated about presenting it, he disclosed, because "it was our thought that perhaps people might be bored or annoyed at hearing a tale so improbably."

the CAST
Bill Alexander - Orson Welles, Professor Pierson
Steffen Smith - Announcer
Joe Webb - Artillery Man, The Stranger
Sarah Alexander - Announcer #2
Kristy Linstrom - Carla Phillips, Operator
Rod Chamberlain - Announcer #3, Mr. Wilmuth, Cpt. Voght
Ross Alexander - Gen. Smith, Gunner, Operator
Mike Lacy - Cpt. Lansing, Gunner
Patti Vick-Lee - Sec. of the Interior, Operator
Lorrie Ross - Studio Stage Manager
Elizabeth Hunt - Foley Artist, Operator
Tim Kincaid - Studio Soundboard
Micah Stuart - Pre-recorded Intro
BEHIND THE SCENES
Lee Maslankowski - Sound & Light Designer and Operator
Joe Webb - Set Design & Construction
Bill Jefferson - Special Prop Construction
Tina Maslankowski - Production Manager

war of the worlds

based on the book by H. G. Wells

june 9 - 11