NPR Playhouse
January - March, 2001 Programs.
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NPR Playhouse is divided into four "genres." Each of the half-hours per week belongs to a particular area of drama. (NOTE: Playhouse 2 & 3 are combined this quarter because the programs are one hour long.) These areas are broadly defined as follows.
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 NPR Playhouse is a program series produced by the Cultural Programming division of National Public Radio. Programs are mostly purchased from independent production groups, or the BBC. Each week they uplink to the Public Radio Satellite four half-hours of more-or-less contemporary radio theater, or short story reading programs. Individual stations may carry only part of the Playhouse programs, may air them in a different order than they are numbered below, and many don't carry any of it at all. This listing gives only the order of the satellite feeds. Please call your local NPR station and urge them to run NPR Playhouse.
Many thanks to Andy Trudeau, Senior Producer of Cultural Programming at NPR, for the information contained here. |
The NPR Playhouse satellite feeds are each Tuesday, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, EST. Stations will likely air them at some other time during the week.
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For programs in the Next Quarter of NPR Playhouse.
For programs in the Previous Quarter of NPR Playhouse.
Information on radio stations in the Twin Cities that play Radio Theater.
NOTE: Playhouse II and III are combined for 2000x, an hour-long program.
NPR Playhouse I - Classics
- Sherlock Holmes Short Stories
The world's first consulting detective returns to public radio in a new, stereo series of selected Arthur Conan Doyle stories produced especially for American listeners by England's renowned Independent Radio Drama Productions.
Edward Petherbridge is Sherlock Holmes. This distinguished English actor is well known to public television audiences through his portrayal of Lord Peter Wimsey in the BBC's adaptation of Dorothy L. Sayer's "Have his carcase," "Gaudy Night," and "Strong Poison." His ties to the legitimate theater include serving with Ian McKellan as Associate Director of National Theater. His film/television credits include appearances in "The Avengers," "Noble House," and "Journey's End." Playing Holmes's companion and chronicler, Dr. John H. Watson, is David Peart, whose full-blooded portrayal of Captain Bligh was a highlight in IRDP's production of "Mutiny on the Bounty."
Radio adapatations were prepared by Tim Crook and Richard Shannon.
Seven repeat programs, continued from previous quarter. Cassettes available at http://www.irdp.co.uk/index.htm
- (January 2) SHERLOCK HOLMES SHORT STORIES
"Adventure of the Speckled Band": Episode Two
The story, from the now legendary "Strand" series of 1891, was based on a magician's clockwork snake, kept in a basket by the fire, with which Conan Doyle used to alarm susceptible visitors.
Holmes's services are engaged by Miss Helen Stoner who arrives at 221B Baker Street with a complex tale of a sister who died under mysterious circumstances and a malevolent guardian, Dr. Grimesby Roylott, whose protectiveness seems to hide a terrible villainy.
- (January 9) SHERLOCK HOLMES SHORT STORIES
"Adventure of the Bruce-Parthington Plans": Episode One
"The London criminal is certainly a dull fellow," says Sherlock Holmes at the beginning of this episode. This tale comes from 1908, during an exciting period when new Sherlock Holmes stories were simultaneously published in England (in The Strand) and in the United States (in Collier's).
Mycroft Holmes makes one of his rare appearances to urge his younger brother, Sherlock, to find the top secret plans for the remarkable Bruce-Partington submarine. A young clerk has been murdered and three vitally important pieces of paper are gone. Holmes's own alert consciousness provides the telling clue, from which it is possible to deduce backwards, on the old basis that when all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
- (January 16): SHERLOCK HOLMES SHORT STORIES
"Adventure of the Bruce-Parthington Plans": Episode Two
- (January 23) SHERLOCK HOLMES SHORT STORIES
"Adventure of the Noble Bachelor": Episode One
Another gem from that remarkable Strand series of 1892. In this one Holmes expresses his hope for a future union of the United States and Great Britain, "under a flag which shall be a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes."
It is a wet autumn, and Watson's wound is throbbing. Lord St. Simon comes to consult Holmes about untoward happenings on his wedding day. He relates how a female gate-crasher had been ejected from the wedding breakfast but how, soon afterwards, he spotted his American bride strolling in Hyde Park with the interloper, one Flora Miller -- a former danseuse of long and intimate acquaintance with his lordship. Soon afterwards his bride disappeared and her wedding dress and accessories were found floating in the Serpentine. Scotland Yard has been called in and is hunting for the ex-mistress on suspicion of jealous murder. Holmes knows better.
- (January 30) SHERLOCK HOLMES SHORT STORIES
"Adventure of the Noble Bachelor": Episode Two
- (February 6) SHERLOCK HOLMES SHORT STORIES
"Adventure of the Six Napoleons": Episode One
"The Press, Watson, is a most valuable institution, if you only know how to use it," says Holmes regarding a key element in his solving of a baffling series of incidents. This tale comes from the crop of 1904 and was first published in the United States in Collier's Magazine.
A deeply puzzled Inspector Lestrade comes calling to 221B Baker Street. Somebody is breaking into houses with the sole purpose of smashing plaster busts of Napoleon. Is it madness or something more sinister? Leave it to Sherlock Holmes to see beyond the fantastic elements of these incidents and to grasp their real purpose.
- (February 13) SHERLOCK HOLMES SHORT STORIES
"Adventure of the Six Napoleons": Episode Two
- L. A. Theatre Works Presents
L.A. Theatre Works, Los Angeles-based non-profit organization, is the only full-time company active in the United States dedicated to the production of contemporary radio drama. To date it has created over 200 hours of dramatic programming in collaboration with NPR, the BBC, KCRW-FM (Santa Monica), WFMT-FM (Chicago), and WGBH-FM (Boston).
LATW and its Producing Director, Susan Albert Loewenberg, have received the 1990 International Sony Award and the 1992 CPB Gold and Silver Awards for their work. LATW's unique contribution to the renaissance of radio theatre in the U.S. has been the use of important dramatic literature (plays, novels, short stories), performed by major American actors to bring new attention and new audiences to radio.
This play was presented before a live audiences in Washington, performed at the Voice of America auditorium.
Four repeat programs. Cassettes available at 310-827-0808.
- (February 20) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"The Devil's Disciple" (Part One of Four)
"The Devil's Disciple" stars Richard Dreyfuss, Bruce Davison and
Pat Carroll. It is the dawn of the American Revolution. Two
brothers of a family have died -- one of illness and the other at
the end of a noose on a British gallows. The family gathers to
hear the reading of the will, in which the prodigal son, Richard,
inherits the house and land -- on the condition he live in peace
with his mother, a cranky woman of sour disposition and a bad word
for everyone.
- (February 27) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"The Devil's Disciple" (Part Two of Four)
It is the early days of the American Revolution. Richard Dudgin, a liberty loving rogue who describes himself as "The Devil's Disciple," has returned home to inherit his father's house and land. While visiting with Pastor Anderson's wife Judith, he is mistaken for the cleric and arrested by the British who charge him with rebellion. Up to this point the real pastor has been a quiet man of peace. But when he returns home and learns of Richard's brave gesture, he becomes a man of action.
- (March 6) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"The Devil's Disciple" (Part Three of Four)
An emotionally confused Judith is visiting Richard in his cell. At the same time the British, led by the urbane and sarcastic "Gentleman" John Burgonye, are preparing to quickly dispense with their prisoner, even as they learn that local Yankee militia may be preparing to attack them.
- (March 13) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"The Devil's Disciple" (Part Four of Four)
The trial of the supposed Pastor Anderson gets underway. At stake is a man's life, the love of a wife for her husband, and just possibly, the fate of a new nation.
- Generations Radio Theater Presents
The award-winning Generations Radio Theater series offers 2 drama-and-music programs this quarter, featuring a top-to-bottom music score that is completely original and fully integrated to the text. Programs from this series have been honored by the International Radio Festivals 'Worlds Best Work' Competition (Best Sound Series), and the American Women in Radio and Television Awards.
For her work as the featured actress in this series, Winifred Phillips has won the Gracie(TM) Award for Outstanding Achievement by an Actress in a National Network Drama. Publishers Weekly has called programming from this series "Sensational!"
Two repeat programs. Cassettes available at http://www.radiotales.com/
- (March 20) Generations Radio Theater Presents
Washington Irving: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1)
Prepare to embark on a fabulous romp through the world of the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow! Written by Washington Irving, this program features rousing music and sound.
- (March 27) Generations Radio Theater Presents
Washington Irving: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (2)
In the second part of this renowned story by Washington Irving, laugh at the hapless blunders of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane, whose fascination with the supernatural leads him to a terrifying confrontation with the headless horseman himself!
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NPR Playhouse II - American Tales
and
NPR Playhouse III - Sci-fi / Mystery / Adventure
- 2000X
2000X is a series of 26 one-hour science-fiction dramatic programs celebrating the turn of the millennium. In each radio episode, award-winning author and broadcast personality Harlan Ellison introduces one or more radio plays set in the future - in a time beyond the year 2000 AD - as meticulously produced in digital stereo by a Grammy and Peabody Award-winning production team, and produced by Yuri Rasovsky. Represented authors include such science fiction stalwarts as H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Ray Bradbury and Ursula K. LeGuin, as well as mainstream luminaries, such as Mark Twain, Jack London and E. M. Forster. Productions feature some of the finest West Coast actors, including Robin Williams, Richard Dreyfuss, Samantha Eggar, Charles Durning, and some 75 others. .
Thirteen repeat programs. Cassettes available at http://www.audible.com/ .
- (January 2) 2000X
"Millenium Bug" adapted by Yuri Rasovsky
"Millenium Bug II" adapted by Yuri Rasovsky
A glitch occurs on New Years Eve 3000.
"In a Thousand Years" by Hans Christian Anderson
Hans Christian Anderson speculates on future tourism.
"In the Year 2889" by Jules Verne
A tongue-in-cheek view of a day in the life of a global media mogul. With David Dukes.
- (January 9) 2000X
"The Thing Happens" by George Bernard Shaw
People discover they can will themselves to live 400 years.
- (January 16) 2000X
"It Came from Outer Pinsk" adapted by Yuri Rasovsky
A mad scientist makes mischief where the matzos don't shine.
"The Proud Robot" by Henry Kuttner
Arte Johnson as the egotistical invention of a sodden tinkerer.
- (January 23) 2000X
"'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman" by Harlan Ellison
Robin Williams plays a slap-happy revolutionary protesting the tyranny of time.
"By the Waters of Babylon" by Stephen Vincent Benet
A shman-in-training discovers the ruine of ancient Manhatten.
- (January 30) 2000X
"All for Love" by John Dryden
Antony and Cleopatra in outer space.
- (February 6) 2000X
"The Only Bird in Her Name," by Terry Dowling
A new Australian humanoid must be saved from ruthless hunters.
"Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Kurt Vonnegut
Tom Poston vies for the only bedroom in the family apartment with the five
generations of his super-annulated family.
- (February 13) 2000X
"The Marching Morons," by C. M. Kornbluth
A future world in which morons predominate can be saved only by good old 20th Century greed. Dramatized by "Babylon 5" creator J. Michael Straczynski and Bert Ross.
- (February 20) 2000X
"Shambleau," by C. L. Moore
A space adventurer finds the origin of the Medusa legend on Mars, much to his chagrin.
"Bloodchild," by Octavia E Butler
Terran refugees on a foreign planet bear the children of the native inhabitants.
- (February 27) 2000X
"The Mad Planet," by Murray Leinster
In a primitive future dystopia, a young man from a tribe must relearn to use his brain in order to survive giant insect predators.
- (March 6) 2000X
"Hurricane Trio" by Theodore Sturgeon
Aliens make a few improvements on a human.
- (March 13) 2000X
"The Moon Maid," by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Shooting for Mars, an expedition from Earth crashes on the moon and encounters many dangers as well as an obligatory beautiful, scantily-clad princess.
- (March 202) 2000X
"Ole Doc Methuselah," by L. Ron Hubbard
A superanuated surgeon roams the universe righting wrongs.
- (March 27) 2000X
"Blood," by Fredric Brown
Vampires use a time machine to hunt new prey.
"A Little Bank Deposit," by Gerald Kersh*
A physicist keeps a bit of fissionable material safe in a bank vault. But, isn't that just the right environment to set it off? Oops! (Based on the short story "The Unsafe Deposit Box.")
"A Dialogue for the Year 2130," by T. H. Lister
A speculation from 1830 on what polite conversation would be like in 2130.
"The Choice," by Wayland Young*
A time traveler has to make an excruciating choice.
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NPR Playhouse IV - Open Stage / Contemporary Tales
- L. A. Theatre Works Presents
L.A. Theatre Works, Los Angeles-based non-profit organization, is the only full-time company active in the United States dedicated to the production of contemporary radio drama. To date it has created over 200 hours of dramatic programming in collaboration with NPR, the BBC, KCRW-FM (Santa Monica), WFMT-FM (Chicago), and WGBH-FM (Boston).
LATW and its Producing Director, Susan Albert Loewenberg, have received the 1990 International Sony Award and the 1992 CPB Gold and Silver Awards for their work. LATW's unique contribution to the renaissance of radio theatre in the U.S. has been the use of important dramatic literature (plays, novels, short stories), performed by major American actors to bring new attention and new audiences to radio.
The play featured this quarter was presented before live audiences in Washington, performed at the Voice of America auditorium.
Four repeat programs. Cassettes available at 310-827-0808
- (January 2) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting" (Part One)
In Ed Schmit's play, Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey has called a meeting with boxer Joe Louis, actor/singer Paul Robeson, and Negro League official Bill "Bojangles" Robinson to discuss how he might take a promising black ballplayer from the Montreal Maroons named Jackie Robinson and have him play in the all-white Major Leagues. Featuring an all-star cast, including Ed Asner as Rickey and Paul Winfield as Robeson. Reggie Davis is Jackie Robinson.
- (January 9) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting" (Part Two)
Branch Rickey makes it clear to Jackie that he will have to behave himself and be willing to endure all kinds of insults without thinking about retaliation should he join the Brooklyn Dodgers. Joe Louis is happy to support anything Jackie and Branch wants, as is Bojangles. It is Paul Robeson who has problems with the deal, fearing it will bankrupt the black entrepreneurs who own black baseball teams.
- (January 16) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting" (Part Three)
Branch Rickey tries every kind of appeal to win over Paul Robeson and Jackie Robinson expresses his desire to break the color barrier in major league baseball. But Robeson continues to score points in his arguments with both Joe Louis and Bojangles Robinson. Finally, Rickey says it is up to them to decide. He leaves the room, declaring, "When I come back, we vote."
- (January 23) L.A. Theatre Works Presents:
"Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting (Part Four)
An historic decision is made. But it is not exactly the decision that was sought by Branch Rickey. The powerful and surprising conclusion of Ed Schmit's play tells us much about the factors and issues that shape momentous moments in history.
- CART (California Artists Radio Theater) - Mysteries in the Air
Under the direction of veteran radio and film actress Peggy Webber, the California Artists Radio Theater is one of the few artistic organizations across the country dedicated to the creation and presentation of radio drama. In 1991, CART won a Gold, Silver and Bronze at the New York International Radio Festival, followed, in 1992, by two Gold Awards from the CPB. In 1995 CART received a Silver Medal from the New York International Radio Festival. CART presents an annual series of twelve ninety-minute shows per year in live performance, most at CART's home base at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's Cinegrill. Mysteries in the Air presents a series of classic radio mysteries created for radio's Golden Age by writers Morton Fine and David Friedkin. These two are perhaps best known as the creators of televisions "I Spy" series, as well as Radio's "Suspense," "Broadway Is My Beat" and "Crime Classics." Additional writing is by Martin Ryerson, a past contributor to the "Suspense" radio drama series.
Principal host for this series is the British film and theatre actor David Warner, who was assisted from time to time by either Rene Auberjonois, David Ogden Stiers or Roddy McDowall. Among the other stars appearing in this anthology series are Beverly Garland, JoAnne Worley, Louis Nye, Jeanette Nolan, John Saxon, Kathleen Freeman, Charlotte Rae, Linda Henning, William Windom, Samantha Eggar, Louis Nettleton, Roger Perry, Shay Duffin, Marty Maguire and John Harlan. Original music comes from Kevin Bassinson and David Pinto with sound effects furnished by Charles Elgas and Tom Williams. Peggy Webber directs and produces the CART productions.
Nine repeat programs. Cassettes available at 1-800-200-8868
- (January 30) Mysteries in the Air
"The Crime of Bathsheba Spooner"
The first woman to be hung for murder in the United States, who lived in New England during the Revolutionary War, Bathsheba is played by JoAnne Worley (renowned "Laugh-In" comedienne). Her husband is portrayed by William Windom (Doctor Seth Hazlitt of "Murder She Wrote"), while her lover is film and television star John Saxon. Shay Duffin and Marty Maguire play the comic fumbling murders and Roger Perry, who starred in numerous television series, round out the cast. A true murder story, told with comic irony.
- (February 6) Mysteries in the Air
"The Bloody, Bloody Banks of Fall River"
The well known tale of Lizzie Borden, told with fresh enthusiasm for the ironic twists and comic characters involved. JoAnne Worley plays Lizzie. Kathleen Freeman plays her three-hundred pound step-mother, William Windom her long-suffering father. John Saxon the minister she has "a hankering for," Roger Perry, the Doctor, and Peggy Webber, the maid, complete the cast.
- (February 13) Mysteries in the Air
"You Loving Son, Nero"
With Louis Nye as Nero and Beverly Garland as his mother, Agrippina, one can anticipate the playwright's humorous treatment of his historic tale of Nero's numerous attempts at matricide. His frustrations build as the story moves to its conclusion, calling to mind Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. Others in the cast are Linda Henning, William Windom, Kathleen Freeman, John Saxon and Gregory Friedkin.
- (February 20) Mysteries in the Air
"Widow Magee and the Three Gypsies -- A Vermont Fandango"
This Morton Fine/David Friedkin piece features Louis Nye, Marty Maguire, William Windom and JoAnne Worley as the Widow Magee. David Warner is the host.
- (February 27) Mysteries in the Air
"The Final Day of General Ketchum, and How He Died"
Presenting this Fine/Friedkin opus are William Windom (as General Ketchum), JoAnne Worley, Louis Nye, and Roger Perry.
- (March 6) Mysteries in the Air
"If a Body Need a Body, Just Call Burke & Hare"
The lucrative business of body-snatching is the subject this time. William Windom is Burke and Louis Nye is Hare. Additional cast members are Roger Perry, Jeanette Nolan, Marty Maguire, and Bairbre Dowling.
- (March 13) Mysteries in the Air
"Blackbeard's Fourteenth Wife -- Why She Was No Good For Him"
A "love" story involving the famous pirate. Narrated by David Warner. Louis Nye plays Captain Teach, Jo Anne Worley plays wife number 14, John Saxon plays her lover, William Windom plays the first mate. Other cast members include Roger Perry, Tom Williams and Marty McGuire.
- (March 20) Mysteries in the Air
"Francisco Pizarro -- His Heart On a Golden Knife"
The story of the Spanish explorer. Narrated by David Warner, Pizarro played by Dan O'Herlihy. Vincent Dowling plays Pizarro's brother, John Saxon plays Pizarro's lieutenant. Other cast members are Marty McGuire, Roger Perry and William Windom.
- (March 27) Mysteries in the Air
"Good Evening, My Name is Jack the Ripper"
The saga of English's best-known cut-up. Narrated by David Warner. Cast headed by Louis Nye and Jo Anne Worley. Bairbre Dowling plays the ingenue, and Kathleen Freeman is heard in a character part. Roger Perry, Linda Henning, and Marty McGuire round out the cast.
Although the information included here comes from NPR, this is NOT an official NPR Web site. I have no connection with NPR except as a listener. If you wish to contact National Public Radio, the logo at left is a link to their Web site.
Last updated November 15, 2000. Questions? Contact Jerry Stearns at jstearns@mtn.org.