War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast (A Live Radio Play)

War of the Worlds Invasion 

The University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts is proud to present the science fiction radio play, War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast.  Based on the H.G. Wells novel, and adapted by Joe Landry, War of the Worlds conjures a terrifying, tentacled race of aliens who devastate the earth.  War of the Worlds was made famous by Orson Welles’ notorious 1938 radio drama which was mistaken for a real news broadcast, causing panic across the country.  

An alien invasion throws humanity into chaos in the classic sci-fi novel The War of the Worlds.  This production recreates the colorful events surrounding the infamous evening, complete with vintage commercials and live sound effects.  This radio-play-within-a-radio-play is a thrilling homage to the form’s golden age and timely reminder of what fear can do to a society. 

Radio plays are a unique performance opportunity in which actors often play several characters while standing behind a podium/microphone using their voice, facial expressions and minimal costume pieces to differentiate the characters.  There is also a team of people called foley artists who will create live sound effects using items such as bubble wrap, cellophane, breakfast cereal, etc. to create the sounds of a roaring fire, footsteps in the snow, and so much more.  

Tickets go on sale online beginning Monday, October 12 at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-arts through the online ticketing company, ShowShare.  This is a streamed performance only.  No live audience will be allowed due to COVID-19.  Tickets can only be purchased online using the ShowShare link posted on the UWL’s Theatre webpage.  Tickets are $6 for UWL students; $16 for senior citizens/non-UWL students; and $18 for adults.   

 IF YOU GO: 

WHO:  UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts 

WHAT:  War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast (A Live Radio Play) adapted by Joe Landry 

WHERE: Streamed performance only through Broadway on Demand 

WHEN: October 23-25 and October 29-November 1, 2020 

COST: $18 adults; $16 seniors citizens/non UW-L students; $6 UW-L students.  Tickets may be purchased online beginning October 12, 2020 through the online ticketing company, ShowShare.  (A link can be found on the UWL Theatre’s webpage) 

CAST: Erik Berg, Alexis Cimoch, Lauren Hanson, Nick Holland-Hayes, Ronny Mickl 

FOLEY ARTISTS:  Mason, Laney, Emily Ludewig   

PRODUCTION TEAM:  Greg Parmeter (Director), Corinne Kessler (Asst. Director), Sydney Smith (Stage Manager), Joe Anderson (Costume Designer), Megan Morey (Technical Director), Ben Golden (Sound Engineer/Lighting Designer), and Mandy Kolbe (Lighting Designer/Scenic Designer)