Spotlight On Niagara

RADIO NOIR: Vintage Wine Paired with Vintage Radio Shows

RADIO NOIR: Vintage Wine Paired with Vintage Radio Shows

By David DeRocco dave@gobeweekly.com  https://twitter.com/?lang=en 

A Halloween production of the classic science fiction story War Of The Worlds is just one of the tributes to the golden age of radio being hosted as part of the 2019 RADIO NOIR series at Ravine Winery.

The unique production at Ravine follows the format established by early 20th century radio dramas like The Shadow, Tarzan and Flash Gordon, which depended solely on dialogue, music and sound effects to help listeners imagine the characters and stories. For the modern productions, actors from the Shaw Festival and local theatre troupes are teamed with sound effects experts to recreate classic radio productions in the wine cellar at Ravine, a program that has proved to be quite popular with lovers of both wine and radio.

“We started last year at Ravine with seven shows from October to April,” explained Adele Shennan, Retail Manager and Certified Sommelier at the York Road winery in St. Davids. “I started this project with Barbara Worthy and Patty Jamieson at Trius when I was there, and when I moved here we picked up the show after a year hiatus. We’re happy to bring the show to Ravine, it’s such a great fit.”

In an era where people have 24/7 access to high-definition entertainment on their mobile devices, Shennan believes the simplicity and unique “theatre of the mind” appeal of the RADIO NOIR series is what intrigues people to buy tickets to the performances.

“I myself am the biggest fan and I feel this form of entertainment shouldn’t be forgotten. I love this era and the talent we get from Niagara is second to none.  Most folks are locals and I see people of all ages. For some it’s a first time to see and hear anything like this. One of my happiest moments was when I noticed a blind gentleman enjoying the show, so much in fact I saw him at every show after that initial show.”

The highlight of this year’s RADIO NOIR series is a production of the most famous – or infamous – adaptation of the 1938 radio broadcast of H.G. WELLS’ War Of The Worlds. That show, brilliantly directed and narrated by Orson Wells as a mock news report, was said to have incited panic in cities across the U.S. at the time of its broadcast. According to RADIO NOIR writer/producer Barbara Worthy, the October 31st kick off performance will include a “hefty nod” to that iconic production.

“The sound effects will be integrated as always by the wonderful Allan Teichmann, using his inimitable skills with live sound effects known as Foley,” said Worthy, who explained the art of creating radio effect was named after Jack Donovan Foley, a sound crew employee at Universal Studios. His methods, known as “adding Foley,” are still used today in studios around the world."

Tickets are still available for the entire series, along with pre-show dinner packages at Ravine. Showtime is 7:30. For tickets and information, contact Cheryl at www.RavineVinyard.com.

2019 RADIO NOIR SERIES DATES:

October 31ST – War of the Worlds

November 15 – Fibber McGee and Molly w/ Father Knows Best

November 27th – Rebecca

December 5th – A Christmas Story

 

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