Dime Novels Radio Theater

Tremont Avenue Productions, Inc. presents Dime Novels Radio Theater, classic Radio-style shows performed to a studio audience.
One-hour comedies by Chicago playwright Roger Marsh are produced in a 1945 radio studio style played before a studio audience. Actors mingle with the audience as they come to work and ready themselves to perform. Once “live,” actors read from fast-moving scripts backed up with music, electronic sound effects, and foley art–where sounds are produced live on stage.

Al’s Big Adventure will play Fridays at 10:30 p.m. with John Borowski directing. Al’s new used car might be cursed. Some think it has a mind of its own. Listen as houseboats move on land. The Navy Pier Ferris Wheel turns at midnight. Bumpers lock during a high-speed Kennedy Expressway chase. And Chicago Alderman Joe Moore is spoofed as Al’s best friend.

My Kingdom For A Pizza will play Saturdays at 11 a.m. with Shawn Galligan directing. King Featherstone withers away on a diet ordered by the Queen while dreaming up exotic food runs for secretary Frockmore. Talking rocks. Sorcerers and magic wands. The evil Enchanted Forest. Pizza shops that serve imitation cheese. Can young Logan find the Sorcerer in time for the annual magic show – which by Kingdom law – allows the King his popcorn and ice cream? Fun for children and adults of all ages.

Mars Attacks Chicago continues in June in its new 10:30 p.m. time slot. A Chicago northsider’s tall tale about a strangler sighting backfires when the media picks up the story and won’t let go. Introducing Dominick Jewel – was he murdered by the strangler or whisked off into the sky by aliens plotting invasion? The show includes spoofed coverage by Chicago’s Walter Jacobson and Jerry Springer. Directed by John Borowski.

The Dime Novels Radio Theater uses foley art by sound effects creator Larry Youngberg where actors make sound effects live on stage during the show. Enjoy the illusion that you have entered a 1945 radio studio and are part of the studio audience for this live broadcast. Actors frequent the stage in character as early as 30 minutes before the show. Swing music by MIDI artist Irwin Schwartz duplicates the best musicians of the period.