KY Shakespeare Presents WAR OF THE WORLDS

Kentucky Shakespeare is announces the production of Orson Welles' radio drama of H.G. Wells' science fiction masterpiece The War of the Worlds. This 6-actor, 70-minute production will be performed live at the Louisville Public Media Performance Studio on select nights October 10-28, 2018.

The War of the Worlds was an episode of the American radio drama anthology series The Mercury Theatre on the Air. It was performed as a Halloween episode of the series on Sunday, October 30, 1938, and aired over the Columbia Broadcasting radio network. Directed and narrated by actor and future filmmaker Orson Welles, it became famous for allegedly causing mass panic. Kentucky Shakespeare will recreate the in-studio performance of this thrilling tale in front of live audiences with actors, musicians, and foley artists.

"We are so grateful to be partnering with Louisville Public Media on this piece of radio history for the 80th anniversary of the original production," says Associate Artistic Director Amy Attaway. "These amazing artists will recreate this piece with all the drama and less fake news."

The production is directed by Amy Attaway, Associate Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare, and features an ensemble cast: Gayle King on piano, Gregory Maupin as Orson Welles and Carl Phillips, Abigail Bailey Maupin as the Announcer, Jon Huffman as Professor Pierson, Laura Ellis performing the music and sound effects, Dathan Hooper as the Stranger. Donna Lawrence-Downs is the costume designer, Brian Owens is the lighting designer, and Laura Ellis is the sound designer. Rachel Luther is the stage manager.

The production will feature familiar voices from Louisville Public Media, rotating each performance, including WFPL's Jean West and WUOL's Daniel Gilliam.