This Fall, SKIT (Sunapee Kearsarge Intercommunity Theatre) is partnering with the Wilmot Community Association to present two classics of old-time radio, “Sorry Wrong Number” and “Gracie Runs for President.” Director Wally D. Borgen has assembled a diverse group of voice talents to bring you an entertaining show. The cast includes: Jody Cooper of New London, Gary Evans of Weare, Larry Fuller of Grantham, Jay Lambert of Wilmot, Linda Lambert of Wilmot, Judy Lowe of North Sutton, Kristin McCarthy of Wilmot, Dan Rahilly of North Sutton, Pat Rodgers of New London, Tom Tuthill of Newport, and Wally Borgen of New London. Foley Artists Don Boxwell and Peter Sweatt, both of New London, will provide live sound effects.
Before television and computers, families gathered around a large wooden radio, most likely made by RCA or Admiral, and listened to the news of the day, soap operas, comedies, and suspense dramas. Because there were no visuals in these programs, the audience had to listen to the actors, hear the sound effects, and use their imagination to create their own pictures. These shows were performed in front of live audiences or recorded in a studio. This production will illustrate how live performances of radio shows were staged in the mid 40’s. Actors will read their lines into microphones, sound effects teams will close doors, make telephones ring, and play music, all in front of an audience.
Sorry Wrong Number is a Suspense Theatre production of a plot to murder a woman in NY City overheard when three phone lines get crossed. Gracie Runs for President is a typical George Burns and Gracie Allen comedy where you never know what’s going to be said next. Watch how sound effects were created for radio audiences or close your eyes and just experience what the home radio audience experienced in the 1940s.
The director, Wally D. Borgen, has been writing and directing since the age of 10., Recently she wrote and directed SKIT productions The Best of Burt (Bacharach that is), and The Songs and Tales of WWI, and directed Turning Toward the Sun by Ceil Warren.
Join us at the Red Barn at 64 Village Road in Wilmot Flat as we help celebrate the Wilmot Community Association’s 60th anniversary. Show dates are November 15 &16 at 7:00 PM, and November 17 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased here, at Tatewell Gallery & Morgan Hill Bookstore, in New London, or at the door. See you there!