SHOWS

“Charity Never Began” and “Liz’s Radio Script”

Presented by AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players

Wednesday, February 10
7:00 PM — 8:00 PM
Claudia Cassidy Theater
FREE

Audiences are invited to witness the performance of classic radio scripts by voice actors, sound effects artists and, often, live musicians. The AFTRA/SAG Players stay faithful to the original model by having to get it right the first time – no retakes permitted.

Charity Never Began (original broadcast date unknown, part of the “Mr. District Attorney” series)
In the late 1930s, Thomas Dewey developed his reputation as a racket busting New York D.A. He went on to become governor of NY state but missed twice in attempts at the Presidency. Despite that, radio historians swear that Dewey was the model for Mr. District Attorney, a hugely successful radio dramatization that fearlessly focused on prickly social issues. In this fascinating episode, the AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players demonstrate why the program opened with these words: “Mr. District Attorney! Guardian of our fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!” The D.A takes on a pair of unscrupulous operators of a retirement home and the infuriating way they treat their clientele.

Liz’s Radio Script (originally broadcast March 24, 1950 on the CBS Radio Network as part of the “My Favorite Husband” Series)
Before there was a Lucy the world would love on TV, Lucille Ball starred in a radio sitcom that was described as “two people who lived together and liked it.” Sounds pretty tame, but Ms. Ball’s huge talent and some outrageous plot lines made the series very laughable. In this episode, Liz enters a radio script writing contest, is selected as one of the finalists, and is allowed to produce and broadcast the “finished product” on a local radio station. Stay tuned for chaos.