Nuart Theatre brings 1940s radio magic to the stage for the holidays
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BLACKFOOT — Step back in time to the 1940s, when radio ruled the airwaves and families gathered around their sets for an evening of entertainment.
The Nuart Theatre in Blackfoot is bringing that bygone era to life with its upcoming production of “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol,” a family-friendly comedy that puts a nostalgic twist on Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic.
Audiences can relive the magic of radio’s golden age when the play opens Thursday, Nov. 12, with additional performances on Nov. 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, and 23.
Set during Christmastime 1943, the production transforms the theater audience into a live radio studio audience, complete with announcers, actors, musicians, sound-effects artists, and plenty of behind-the-scenes chaos.
Rather than simply listening to a Christmas story unfold, theatergoers get to watch the entire radio broadcast come together onstage, mishaps and all.
Directed by Russell Cottam, with musical direction by Meredith Chandler, the production holds special meaning for Cottam.
In 2003, he acted in the Nuart’s production of “The 1940s Radio Hour,” the show that preceded this holiday sequel and then went on to direct plays for a number of years. More than two decades later, the Nuart board invited him back to direct the follow-up production, bringing his involvement with the show full circle.
While the play delivers plenty of laughs, Cottam said it also carries a heartfelt message about resilience and finding hope during tough times.
“This play shows how people can pull together during challenging times when money is tight,” Cottam said. “It also touches on loss and keeping one’s spirits up when things are difficult. We all go through things.”
With both new and classic songs, the production also offers a glimpse into a time when radio was a primary source of entertainment and television was beginning to emerge as a competitor.
Even the commercials get a nostalgic makeover, with vintage advertisements for products such as cigarettes and margarine woven into the broadcast.
“We even pause for some nostalgic commercials, like for cigarettes and margarine. Things that we know now are bad for us,” Cottam said.
The Nuart will present eight performances, beginning Nov. 12 with a discounted opening night. Tickets for Thursday’s performance are $8.
For tickets and more information go to BlackfootCommunityPlayers.com
Online ticket sales close at 5 p.m. on performance days. Tickets may still be purchased at the door.
