Chicago Philharmonic Steps Back In Time With 1950s Radio Drama

The Chi Phil Chamber Players return to City Winery to present the gripping true stories of outlaw Jesse James and pirates Coyle and Richardson when they perform the 50s radio drama, Crime Classics on November 19. While audiences enjoy delicious brunch offerings in an intimate setting, the Chamber Players recreate dastardly deeds from history with performers from the Chicago Senior Radio Players and the original score by Academy Award-winning composer Bernard Herrmann.

Originally narrated and acted by famous radio stars of the day, Herrmann, known for composing for such famous films as Psycho, Vertigo, North by Northwest, Citizen Kane, Taxi Driver, and Journey to the Center of the Earth, duplicated authentic music from the era of the story.

The episodes, of which two will be presented, were written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin who promoted the show as: "A series of true crime stories from the records and newspapers of every land, from every time. Your host each week is Mr. Thomas Hyland -- connoisseur of crime, student of violence, and teller of murders."

The first episode, The Death of a Picture Hanger, tells the tale of the outlaw gang leader Jesse James and his assassination at the hands of the Ford Brothers. The second episode follows a pair of swindling, murderous pirates as they cut a treacherous path across the world before receiving their comeuppance. Dialogue and narration is performed by actors from the Chicago Senior Radio Players, while the Chamber Players provide the soundtrack and sound effects in this unique concert.

Doors open at 11am and food and drink will be available for purchase before and during the performance.

Crime Classics
The Picture Hanger and the Pirates
True Crime Radio Stories
Sunday, November 19 2017, 12pm
City Winery Chicago

For more information, visit chicagophilharmonic.org.