June 17, 2005
Golden Age Science Fiction Radio Serials: Live!

In America's post-war period marked by seemingly limitless technological advances, science-fiction radio serials dominated the airwaves. Families gathered to hear dramatically narrated tales of astonishing foreign worlds, populated with heroic space cowboys and insidious alien overlords. In some ways it was almost better than watching a movie; supplied with colorful, gorgeously effusive dialogue and then-impressive sound effects, you were free to envision the stories in your mind. Some of these serials - The Adventures of Superman and Journey Into Space, for example - were hugely popular, enjoying lengthy runs on the radio. Most famously, Orson Welles' broadcast of The War of the Worlds was so convincing in its authenticity that many listeners believed the tale of a Martian invasion of Earth was actually taking place.
You've now an opportunity to experience one of these sci-fi broadcasts with the Salvage Vanguard Theatre's presentation of The Intergalactic Nemesis: Twin Infinity. This final installment in The Intergalactic Nemesis trilogy is narrated live, with accompanying sound effects by the folks behind FoleyVision and a choreographed soundtrack by Buzz Moran. If you're not familiar with the story, you can actually listen to the previous two broadcasts online. Tickets are pay-what-you-want, with a suggestion of anywhere from $12-$35. The shows are at 8pm, Thursday through Saturday for the next two weeks at The Off Center (map).






Saw this show opening weekend -- it is fabulous! A real blast! The kids (11 & 13) had a great time, too. Definitely recommended.