People are gullible. Maybe not all people and maybe not in all situations but given the right set of circumstances, people will believe almost anything. Sunday, Oct. 30, 1938, Martians invaded the earth. Millions of earthlings panicked as they heard the details of the attack unfold on the radio. Even though the report was simply Orson Welles' adaptation of War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells, many listeners were convinced of the authenticity of the radio broadcast.
The genius of the performance was Welles' adaptation came across as a real news broadcast with interviews, weather reports, orchestras, announcers and newscasters. Anyone who listened from the beginning of the hour-long broadcast understood it as a radio play but those joining afterward would not have any indication the invasion was not real.
Lakewood Playhouse is producing War of the Worlds for its annual Halloween Radio Show Oct 25 and 26. Lakewood Playhouse is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. The show will open with an episode from the radio show "Lights Out" before commemorating the 75th anniversary, almost to the day, of The War of the Worlds broadcast.
Due to the popularity of the shows, both nights are already over halfway sold out. If last season's shows are any indication, War of the Worlds will be a success. Fellow Volcano theater critic Christian Carvajal is among the cast reenacting the live radio programs. True to the original production, all of the special effects will be done live in the classic '30s radio style. The show kicks off Lakewood Playhouse's Annual Friends Fund Campaign.
Tickets are $25 per person, or if you have a date, $40 per couple. Couples tickets are only available by calling the box office at 253.588.0042. Single tickets can be purchased visiting its website, or by calling the box office.
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood, $20-$25, 253.588.0042
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