This is not the classic 1938 Orson Welles production of "War of the Worlds," nor is it the 1988 50th Anniversary NPR remake starring Jason Robards in the Orson Welles role. This is the auspicious, independent 1996 58th Anniversary presentation performed on KAZU Monterey Bay Public Radio, by the Unicorn Theater Alumni Players - directed by Rob Foster and engineered by Jim Kirby. It was originally broadcast October 31, 1996, at 10:00 p.m., starring Peter Eberhardt in the role of Professor Pearson. It was part of an entire Halloween day's - and night's - worth of holiday offerings. An hour after we went off the air, we still had a midnight show of "The Mystery of Irma Vep" to stage. It was a full Halloween for a weary troupe of local actors and artisans.
To be sure, we caused no panic, and likely scared… no one, but we had so much fun taking it oh so seriously, and those who tuned in had a great time too. At least that's what those I met the next morning told me.
There are some cheesy moments, and some fantastic ones. Without sounding too apologetic, there are just a few points you should know… In 1996, digital recording equipment - much less digital recording software - was not widely available to the retail public. Most all private recording enthusiasts still used analog systems, primarily cassette tape based, consisting of only four tracks to play with. Thousand-track digital programs with gigabytes of enhancement effects, like GarageBand®, didn't even yet exist! So, yes, this show - merely 18 years old as of this writing (2013), already qualifies as a product of a bygone era. Incredible to ponder - for myself anyway. The minor hisses and pops were not faked for effect, but are real!
We were NOT the owners of the station, and so had no round-the-clock access to its resources. We were there an hour.
The bottom line is, it was such a fun ride; an entire portion of the area theater community lent its talents, the local public radio affiliate gave us its full support, and the newspapers ran articles about us. Halloween night was like a premiere!
Other featured players include Robert Colter, Jeff McGrath, Cindy Womack, Skip Kadish, Neva Hahns, Gabrielle Minor, Thomas Burks, Fred Nielson, Jody Gilmore, Kirsten Migliore, Dania King-Ketcham, Jim Kirby (whose music is also featured), Colleen Baily… and I play President Clinton - it's a hoot.
So here it is, analog warts and all - for you to hear for yourself. If you hang in there for the whole show (it's only an hour) you'll catch our little heartwarming twist-ending that those other, more famous versions, didn't spare the time for. Gawk, laugh, or even pretend to be scared… it's all good. Turn the lights down and let the spiraling world outside bother someone else for the next 60 minutes. And let me say, I really do hope… that whatever happens, you enjoy it. Happy Halloween!
(Technical note: Still intact on this recording are the house promos for Unicorn Theater, Inc., which is no longer performing. Please disregard any contact information, it is no longer valid.)
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