Community Theaters in the area are providing some amazing and unique performances lately. This time, it’s Beavercreek Community Theatre! Saul Caplan, who is directing this production, talked with me about ‘Beaver Transceiver Radio Theatre!’
937: Hi, Saul. It is so exciting to hear you are bringing an old-time radio show to life in Beavercreek!! Why did you choose to do this type of show in particular?
Saul: I didn’t really choose this show; it chose me. About a year ago, Matt Owens and Chris Harmon from Beavercreek Community Theatre approached me with the idea of doing an evening of old-time radio shows. What they DIDN’T know was that my car radio was permanently set to XM 148 – Radio Classics, and so their idea appealed to me immediately! We then started a months-long process of reading and listening to shows and scripts to put together what we think is going to be a good, fun evening.
937: I feel like all you participate in is FUN and GOOD! I have had the pleasure of acting with you in ‘Cabaret’, one of my favorite shows ever! Tell me Saul, do you prefer directing to acting?
Saul: These days, it’s about 50/50. There are still some really good bucket roles out there I haven’t gotten a chance to do yet, but if all I do from here on out is direct, I’ll be very happy.
937: Understood, but you are an icon on the stage! So, what are you hoping the audience gets from this production?
Saul: Two things, really. We hope the older audience members will get a sense of nostalgia for some of the shows and characters they might remember, and we hope the younger folks will get a glimpse of an old style of entertainment. “Theatre of the Mind” as it was called.
937: Love that you are reviving this kind of entertainment. It’s classic stuff!! Since it’s radio…what can we expect to see within the show itself?
Saul: Actors standing at microphones, holding their scripts. A sound engineer creating some (not all) live sound effects, a live organist providing music, and other actors sitting around, reading and playing cards and waiting for their cues.
937: Love the authenticity!! People will love this. What are the days/times for this production?Saul: Friday-Sunday March 6-8; 13-15
937: For tickets, go to www.bctheatre.org (NOT .com!) Saul, thanks for taking time to talk with me. I am sure you will have a captive audience!
Saul: Well, please come, and please give us your feedback. We’ve been making this up as we go along, and we’d really like to know what you thought.
