Mainstage
The Return of Radio Goggles!
Come to Oracle and gather around the old RCA tube set for an evening of entertainment unlike any other “one-act play cycle” going on in Chicago. Strap on a pair of genuine RADIO GOGGLES, and watch three vintage radio shows come to life. Countdown to blast off! Three directors stage some of the best episodes from The Golden Age of Radio: the sci-fi hit X MINUS ONE, an episode of SUSPENSE featuring Orson Welles, and the rootin’ tootin’ good show HOPALONG CASSIDY. In Oracle’s performance style, the actual recordings are played over the sound system while the actors lip-sync, pantomime, and shadow-play to the recording. It’s a fun, irreverent style that builds on the expertise of those old time voice actors.
“The Parade”, episode 3 from X MINUS ONE
Original airdate: May 1, 1955
Directed by Laura K. Smith (Oracle Company Member)
An ad agency is contracted for an odd campaign by a mysterious man claiming he is from Mars! This man from Mars wants to launch a new product for the people of Earth. The product’s official launch is to coincide with a grand parade. As the parade starts, the mystery begins to unravel. Watch as alien madness descends on the parade!
“The Hitchiker”, episode 5 from SUSPENSE
Original airdate: September 2, 1942
Directed by Brendan Balfe (Silent Theatre Company)
Follow Orson Welles across the country. But he is not alone! A mysterious man keeps appearing at the side of the road. Watch Orson battle the ghosts that follow him as he fights in a struggle for life or death! This famous episode spawned a filmed version for The Twilight Zone.
“Hoppy Meets His Match”, episode 78 from HOPALONG CASSIDY
Original airdate: June 30, 1951
Directed by Lyndsay Kane (Oracle’s casting director, Company Member Trap Door Theatre)
Hopalong and his partner California are on their way home to the Bar 20, when they meet the royal family of Frankovia. Hoppy is mistaken for the Prince of Burgavia and his hand is forced for the pretty sum of $1 million. But why? Watch as the savvy Hoppy and the blustering California uncover a frame-up and take down a con artist.
13 actors comprise the three casts featuring Oracle Company Members Sarah Pretz and Rory Jobst, as well as returning artists Marty Green, Eli Branson, and Ben Hertel.
Eric Van Tassell designs lights; his work at Oracle includes THE GHOST SONATA, for which he was nominated for a 2011 Jeff Award, and many other projects. Jonathan Guillen returns to re-master the recordings and provide additional sound design; his work at Oracle includes TERMEN VOX MACHNIA, THE GHOST SONATA, BLOOD WEDDING, and THE SANDMAN. Noël Huntzinger makes her Oracle debut as Costume Designer. Company Member Amy Hopkins is Production Manager.