Many of America's most beloved television programs, such as "Gunsmoke," "Dragnet" and "Lone Ranger," got their start on the radio.
Before being able to physically see the shows' characters, scenes and plot twists on the tube, audiences gathered around the radio in their living rooms to tune into their favorite nightly or weekly program. The sound effects, music and actors' talents in delivering unique, memorable characters allowed listeners' imaginations to run wild, encouraging them to tune into the next broadcast.
Since 2009, the Missouri River Regional Library Foundation's Reader's Theatre has offered that same intriguing experience.
"With your voice, you can create an entire world for an audience. You can just close your eyes and see what that character looks like, what they are doing, as well as the scene around them. The actors are able to deliver that to them," Reader's Theatre director Mark Wegman said.
Guests will enjoy four live performances Friday through Saturday at the library that will take them back to that golden era of radio in the '30s and '40s. Audiences will enjoy an episode from "Gunsmoke," some humorous banter from comedy team George Burns and Gracie Allen, an edition of "Lights Out," and the popular "Who's on First?" skit from Abbott and Costello.
"There is something funny, something mysterious," Wegman said. "We also have props we use for sound effects, just like you hear on an old-time radio show."
Even though Wegman has directed and performed sound effects for Reader's Theatre for many years, this will be his first time acting, playing Costello alongside veteran actor Jack Renner's Abbott in "Who's On First?" Many other seasoned actors will take on various roles, including Tammy Acosta, Karen Kramer, Jeff Lockwood, Mary Jo LaCorte, Matt Morris, Megan Sappington, Scott Sellner and Tracy Wegman.
Where many theatrical stage productions take weeks of rehearsals, the Reader's Theatre cast practices only a handful of times before the big performances. However, their attention to their roles creates a fun environment adults and children enjoy.
"A lot of kids like the mysteries. They also get into the sound effects, trying to figure out how to do the horse or the gunshot. They have a great time," Wegman said.
The Missouri River Regional Library Foundation, which fills in the gaps to help do special projects and services for the library, is hosting the event.
"When people think of the library, they necessarily don't think of all the other things the library provides for the community, such as cultural performances like this that are very important. It's not just about books. Our programming is so full and attended," MRRL Marketing Coordinator Natalie Newville said.
A new delivery of Reader's Theatre in the last few years is hosting two shows. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. both nights with performances beginning at 7 p.m. On Friday, adults 21 an older are asked to attend the performance, with Missouri wines and desserts served. The event Saturday night is for all ages, with beverages and desserts served.
"I think (having the two different shows) brings this type of theater to a new generation of people," she said. "I love theater, and I've never seen a show like this before. I'm really excited to hear the sound effects and see all of it come together."
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door for the show Friday, and $10 in advance and $12 at the door for Saturday night's show. Tickets can be purchased at mrrl.org or at the library.