Playhouse delivers 'War of the Worlds'

Looking for a great time this weekend? Come experience a live staged reading of Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds.” Step back in time to the 1930s. The early days of the Panida when the “talkies” were a treat at the theater but many folks still gathered around the radio for entertainment.

This staged reading by the Panida Playhouse Players will lead the audience on a journey through historical illusion as they bring back to life the radio show that went down in history. It was originally broadcast on Oct. 30, 1938, and sent listeners into a panic as they wrestled with the fear it was a live newscast of actual events. Showcasing a cast of 11 who will perform with live and recorded sound effects and music opens this week.

Did they believe the world was being keenly watched closely by intelligence? What were the secrets about the planet Mars? Even at a distance of 140,000,000 miles we have always been intrigued by it. They were riveted by their radios. The “War of the Worlds” was a science fiction novel written between 1895-1897 and it is one of the earliest stories detailing a conflict between mankind and an extraterrestrial race.

Director Robert Moore brings a cast of 11 to the stage of the Panida for a re-enactment of the radio show from 1938.

The Panida Playhouse Players version of the “War of the Worlds” will also include a brief opening sequence to start the show.

The production will take place at 7:30 p.m. today, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28; and at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29.

Tickets are $12 and available at panida.org and at the door.