On the Air! at Theatre 68 Arts Complex

In late June, station yourself at Theatre 68 Arts Complex! Spectrum Laboratory (Spec Labs) Theatre League presents a world premiere stage musical about the bygone golden age of radio shows. ON THE AIR! – created by Spec Labs Voiceover Department Head Cathy McAuley and Jim Landis, with music by Spec Labs Co-Founder and Music Department Head Garth Herberg – jitterbugs back to 1942 New York City and opens the curtain on a motley crew of crooners, conductors, and comedians whose lives are destined to intertwine in a whirlwind of laughter, song, and heartfelt tales. On a pre-show extra positive note, ON THE AIR! becomes reality - in part - via a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

ON THE AIR! is set for a limited run in Theatre 68’s Rosalie Theatre, located on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. A troupe of extraordinary triple threats, most of whom are on the autism spectrum, channel their inner hipsters - 1940s style - in a production that celebrates resilience and community spirit during tumultuous times.

Set against the backdrop of the fictional Viceroy Variety Hour - a hit World War II audio series -this Spec Labs spectacle invites audiences to infiltrate the lives of its endearing characters who navigate friendship, love, and the uncertainty of the era. It’s a nostalgic reminder that oral tradition mends souls and brightens days, even when the world feels fragile.

ON THE AIR! is the third original stage play of Spectrum Laboratory Theatre League and is co-written and directed by the accomplished Cathy McAuley, a Hollywood multihyphenate herself. She is the creative force behind Spec Labs’ successful 2023 holiday spec-tacle entitled A SPEC-MAS CAROL, plus the 2024 stage rendition of INHERITING WONDERLAND, a multi-media adaptation of ALICE IN WONDERLAND. McAuley shares her vision for ushering inclusion in the arts to the forefront. “When we connect through art, we discover the shared humanity that bonds us all,” she says.

Co-writer Jim Landis serves in dual capacities: production design is also within the Landis purview. His eagle eye for detail and deft handiwork radiate not only throughout ON THE AIR! but also in his illustrious, 35-year career on recognizable Hollywood franchises. Some of these include A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, WILL AND GRACE, FRASIER, MIKE AND MOLLY, and THE OFFICE.

Musical magic fills the . . . AIR! courtesy of Garth Herberg, composer, Spectrum Laboratory Co-Founder and Music Department Head. He notes, “Through every beat, we intend to lift spirits and create a space where stories encourage collaboration!” Spectrum Laboratory Co-Founder and Film/TV Department Head Jason Weissbrod agrees and adds, “We are immensely proud to spotlight emerging talent who speak to the power of empathy and the beauty of neurodiversity.”

Commemorating its 11th year in Los Angeles, Spectrum Laboratory consistently delivers stunning performances to repeat attendees. In 2026 alone, Spec Labs has produced many buzzworthy projects, such as the sold-out Netflix is a Joke Festival offering entitled LAUGHS ON THE SPECTRUM at Laugh Factory Hollywood on May 4, and the unforgettable NEURODIVERSITY NIGHT OF LAUGHS at Laugh Factory on April 25, plus festive Spec Bands showcases, like MARCH JAMBOREE and BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Spec Labs’ daring Easterseals Disability Film Challenge entry PUPPET NIGHT skillfully matches human performers with marionette counterparts to emotionally stirring, cinematic effect. And this year is only half done!

For now, let's hearken back to ye olde radio days and share in a tuneful triumph that embodies hope, creativity, and connection, both in real life and . . . ON THE AIR!

The ON THE AIR! cast is Jeremy Ebenstein, Henry Dodds, Tyler Berman, Mallory Goldberg, Caroline Corry, Atticus Baldwin, Remington Radcliffe, Domonique Brown, Ethan Atias, Rachel Boden, Nick Brode, Willow Cox, Tristin Mun, D’Angelo Ahumada, Jordan Katz, Jake Tashjian, and Ben Buissink. Lucia Giannini is Assistant Director. Joey Isabel McLellan is Stage Manager. Michael Ware is Production Administrator.

ON THE AIR! details:

Where: Theatre 68 Arts Complex (The Rosalie Theatre)

5112 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601.

When:

- Thursday, June 25, 2026, 8:00 PM

- Friday, June 26, 2026, 8:00 PM

- Saturday, June 27, 2026, 8:00 PM

- Sunday, June 28, 2026, 2:00 PM

Tickets are available now and sell fast!

For more information and ticket purchases, visit https://theatre68artscomplex.stagey.net/projects/14371?tab=tickets

About Spectrum LaboratoryThe Spectrum Laboratory educational formula is a creation of Jason Weissbrod and Garth Herberg. Born in 2015, LA-based Spectrum Laboratory celebrates neurodiversity and inclusion in the arts. A.k.a. Spec Labs, this pioneering collective and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization empowers and mentors student artists in acting, film/TV production, music, improv, and voiceover. Participants pursue their passions while learning to be successful within the larger entertainment industry. Notable talent associated with Spec Labs includes Domonique Brown of Netflix’s coming-of-age seriocomic serial ATYPICAL and Adin Boyer of AMERICAN IDOL. For more information, see www.speclabs.org.