‘Radio Razzle-Dazzle’ to hit the stage

Published 6:00 am Friday, May 17, 2019

It’s New Year’s Eve 1940 and listeners to a radio show have been waiting with bated breath for the exciting conclusion to ‘Invitation to Danger.’

Will the hero succeed or will the villain prevail? — but instead of edge-of-your-seat drama and action there’s comedic mayhem as presented by the local cast of Act 1 Scene 1.

Patricia Murdock, left, as Mitzi, mans the sound effects area as Shana Dixon, playing Patsy, looks over her lines for the radio show and Barry Foster, playing Roger, speaks during rehearsal of “Radio Razzle-Dazzle” presented by Act 1 Scene 1 Theatre Company and First Christian Church Port Arthur. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Inclement weather last weekend led the troupe to move the dinner theater production of “Radio Razzle-Dazzle.” Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by the show on Friday and Saturday nights for $25 and then at 2:30 p.m. Sunday with dessert at intermission for $15 at First Christian Church Port Arthur, 5856 Ninth Ave. The menu includes chicken spaghetti.

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“Things did not necessarily go wrong as much as they ‘gone challenged,’ ” Director Craig Bertrand said. “You get to see behind the scenes of the show.”

Behind the scenes is chaos; two of the radio show cast members went off and eloped, and some went off and celebrated the new year a bit too much.

Barry Foster as Roger speaks into the microphone during rehearsal of “Radio Razzle-Dazzle” presented by Act 1 Scene 1 Theatre Company and First Christian Church Port Arthur. (Mary Meaux/The News)

John Holland’s character Buddy enters the scene with tie askew, shirt half tucked in and highly intoxicated, and when the “one air” sign lights up he hits the sofa to sleep it off.

“Buddy comes in not feeling his best. He spent the night out with Lou, the writer,” Holland said. “He’s not very effective or helpful in his role but he recovers before the end of the show.”

The comedy amps up as the radio show cast members step into roles they are unfamiliar with.

For reservations to “Radio Razzle-Dazzle” call 790-6782.

 

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