85 years ago tonight, on October 30, 1938, the CBS radio network broadcast the Mercury Theatre's adaptation of H.G. Wells' #WarOfTheWorlds, adapted by Howard Koch and starring Orson Welles. This radiocast is infamous as the night America was terrorized by its own fears and ignorance. (Sound familiar?)
Here's a link to the original radiocast, but be sure to check my next two posts, because they'll have links to more recent versions that may interest you ... (1/x)
In 1988, #NPR broadcast an updated 50th anniversary version of #WarOfTheWorlds, adapting Koch's script to a more modern era. This version starred Jason Robards, Steve Allen, and Rene Auberjoinois before his DS9 stint. (2/x)
In May 2009, cast members from various #StarTrek series performed live Koch's #WarOfTheWorlds adaptation, tweaked just a little for the cast and more modern times. This version starred Leonard Nimoy, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, and more. It was directed by John DeLancie.
After the Koch story ended, a new epilogue was performed by the cast, so be sure to listen to the entire recording! (3/x)
DeLancie and Nimoy combined to produce a series of science fiction audiobook recordings in the style of radio plays, under the title "Alien Voices." Several #StarTrek alumni appeared in the various productions, although #WarOfTheWorlds was not considered part of the Alien Voices label.
The two famously produced "Spock vs. Q" and its sequel for Alien Voices, published by Simon & Schuster. More on Wiki at: (4/x)
@WordsmithFL
DeLancie also did an audio book with Majel Roddenberry; Q-in-Law.
@pendrag Thanks, I didn't know that. (Although it's an audiobook, not a radio play.)
I love DeLancie's voice. He did a short-lived Western called "Legend" in 1995-1996 with Michael Piller that only lasted 12 episodes, but I enjoyed the series.
@WordsmithFL
I remember that show; was bummed it was a single season.
Realized after I had posted that your thread was on WotW Radio Show; I did not know of the 2009 revision; will have to que it up for tonight instead of the original.
@pendrag "Legend" had echoes of "Back to the Future III" ...
Re the 2009 version, be sure to listen after the end of the original script because the epilogue is a hoot. Wil Wheaton plays the studio engineer.
Veteran actor Jerry Hardin, a frequent #StarTrek guest star, plays a few roles and stands out.