This year's program includes a production of an original episode of "The Shadow" and recreations of classic broadcasts of "The Jack Benny Program," "Easy Aces" and "The Aldrich Family." The Boogie Woogie Girls will perform songs in the style of groups such as the Andrews Sisters.
The cast includes Elmira Little Theatre veterans such as Stu Luther, who performed in the company's first radio recreation, 1988's production of Orson Welles' infamous adaption of "The War of the Worlds," and a host of newcomers. Kim Canale, Rebecca Chen, Robin Gaige and Barbara Krauss all are making their Elmira Little Theatre debuts, according to a press release from the company. Jerry Holleran is the show's producer.
Wealthy playboy Lamont Cranston and his dark alter-ego, the Shadow, were already popular heroes when "The Shadow" radio drama debuted in 1937. Welles and radio greats Bill Johnstone and Bret Morrison were among the actors who portrayed the hero during its long run, which ended in 1954. Agnes Moorehead is the best-known of the actresses who played Cranston's resourceful friend Margot Lane.
"The Jack Benny Program," featuring Benny as a self-absorbed, penny-pinching version of himself, was broadcast for 32 years, starting on NBC in 1932 and finishing up on CBS in 1955. Benny was joined by his long-suffering valet, Rochester (Eddie Anderson), Mary Livingstone (in real life, Benny's wife), bandleader Phil Harris, singer Dennis Day and announcer Don Wilson. Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny and countless cartoon characters, played several characters. Benny's reluctance to part with his money was the show's longest-running gag.
"Easy Aces," starring Goodman and Jane Ace, was broadcast for 15 years starting in 1930. The comedy was focused on the language-butchering malaprops of Jane and the zany situations she bungled her way into.
Episodes of "The Shadow" opened with one of pop culture's most famous lines, "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" In its time, the opening of "The Aldrich Family" was just as famous. "Henreeeee? Henry Aldrich!" called out Mrs. Aldrich, to which Henry, played by Ezra Stone, replied shakily, "Coming, Mother."
Based on a character in a Clifford Goldsmith play, the radio show began as a regular skit on "The Kate Smith Hour." Aldrich was an earnest but often misdirected teenager.
A reception to honor Yoggy for his 25 years of directing radio shows for Elmira Little Theatre will follow Saturday's matinee performance. Ticket holders for this year's performances may attend the reception, which will begin about 4:30 p.m. in the upstairs lobby of the Clemens Center. Yoggy, a retired Corning Community College history professor, has directed radio recreations at major national entertainment conventions, including many productions featuring top performers from radio's golden age.
If You Go
» What: "A Visit to the Golden Age of Radio"
» When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday
» Where: Mandeville Hall at the Clemens Center, 207 Clemens Center Parkway, Elmira
» Tickets: $14, $12 for students and seniors. Purchase them at the Clemens Center box office, by calling (607) 734-8191 or (800) 724-0159 or online at www.clemenscenter.com.
» More information: www.elmiralittletheatre.com
Source: www.stargazette.com/ Written by John Cleary Correspondent
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