Episodes

  • Artnet

    Artnet
    Nov 1 2024
    ARTNET lampoons Dragnet which was one of the most popular radio dramas of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Dragnet first aired on radio on June 3, 1949 and ran until February 6 1957. The show was created by Jack Webb, who also starred as the main character, Sergeant Joe Friday. Written by Eric Coble, ARTNET is a satirical comedy that explores the intersections of art, commerce, and technology. It delves into the absurdities of the art world, particularly how art is commodified and how artists navigate the pressures of commercial success. Coble’s writing style is characterized by sharp wit, humor, and a strong sense of social commentary. He often blends comedy with poignant themes, addressing issues such as identity, family dynamics, and societal expectations. His plays are known for their engaging dialogue, dynamic characters, and the ability to resonate with a wide range of audiences, from young people to adults. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised on the Navajo and Ute reservations in New Mexico and Colorado, Eric Coble is an award winning American playwright and screenwriter. He is a member of the Playwrights' Unit of the Cleveland Play House. His plays have been produced in 50 states of the U.S., and on six continents. Coble has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including an Emmy nomination, the Cleveland Arts Prize, and multiple playwriting fellowships. His plays have been produced Off-Broadway, in regional theaters across the United States, and internationally. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Jim Heffernan who is the voice of Joe Frida, Vic Caroli as Dali and Picasso, John Heard as the Chief, Jim Corsica is the voice DaVinci, Danny Miller as Warhol. Lynne Young as Mona Lisa and Michael Troop as Monet. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. Music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-The Dragnet theme music was composed by Walter Schuman and produced and arranged by Geek Music.(https://www.patreon.com/geekmusic1)
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    17 mins
  • Burns&Allen Gracie For President

    Burns&Allen Gracie For President
    Oct 24 2024
    "Gracie Runs for President" is a comedic radio play from the "Burns & Allen" show, which aired on February 28, 1940. The episode features Gracie Allen announcing her candidacy for President of the United States, much to the disbelief and sarcasm of her husband and straight man, George Burns. The play humorously explores Gracie's whimsical and nonsensical approach to politics, including her interactions with the regulars in this 1940 production such as Frank Parker, the featured singer on the program, Ray Noble , the orchestra leader who originally heralded from Brighton, Sussex in England and Turman Bradley the announcer. Gracie's campaign is filled with humorous misunderstandings and playful banter, highlighting her daffy personality. The episode refers to Hinds Honey and Almond Cream, the advertisers for the program. The play ends with Gracie confidently looking forward to her imagined presidency, despite the chaos and hilarity that ensues throughout the broadcast. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Janina Birtolo as Gracie Allen, Michael Troop as George Burns, and Nathan Eichhorn and Gregg Birr doing the vocal characteristics of Truman, Ray Noble, Frank, Gene, Bubbles and the reporters. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
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    23 mins
  • Phillip Marlowe - Murder Is My Business

    Phillip Marlowe - Murder Is My Business
    Oct 1 2024
    "Murder is My Business" - A Philip Marlowe Mystery. Phillip Marlowe aired on the radio from September 26, 1948, to March 27, 1951. It was written by the American-British novelist and screenwriter,Raymond Chandler (1888-1959) who was widely regarded at the time as one of the most influential crime fiction writers of the 20th century. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Chandler began his career in the oil industry before turning to writing later in life. His experiences working as an executive in the oil business, as well as his troubled personal life, would influence his writing style and the themes explored in his works. He is best known for creating the iconic character of Philip Marlowe, a private detective who first appeared in Chandler's first novel, "The Big Sleep," published in 1939 . The character embodies the archetype of the hard-boiled detective, a staple of the American crime fiction genre. He is a tough, street-smart, and morally ambiguous character who operates in a corrupt and gritty world. He is neither a strictly lawful nor an entirely criminal figure. While he often bends the rules to achieve his goals, he adheres to a personal code of ethics. Marlowe's sense of honor and justice sets him apart from the corrupt and immoral characters he encounters, adding depth and conflict to the narrative. He is a solitary figure, both physically and emotionally. He navigates a world filled with deceit and betrayal, where trust is rare. His loneliness is a recurring theme in Chandler's works, emphasizing the isolation and alienation that come with his profession thus giving the Marlowe character a sense of melancholy and vulnerability. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Mitchel Frank as Phillip Marlowe, Vic Caroli as Wadsworth Jeeter, Patti Caroli as Harriet Huntress, Jim Heffernan as Marty Estel, Jim Corsica as Waldo, and Michael Troop as the Grover Jeeter, Hawkins and Wax Nose. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
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    30 mins
  • Canterville Ghost

    Canterville Ghost
    Sep 1 2024
    The radio play, like the stage and screen adaptations of the “Canterville Ghost” is based on the 1887 novella by Oscar Wilde. In each adaptation, Sir Simon Canterville, the ghost, is doomed to haunt some sort of edifice. In the screen adaptation, the ghost haunts Canterville Chase, which is an old and imposing English manor house while in this radio production, the ghost haunts a medieval castle. In the screen and stage production the story involves the ghost carrying on its spectral duties, haunting an American family who have taken up residency within Canterville Chase . But this 1945 Lux radio adaptation by Edwin Bum has the ghost haunting the Castle which was occupied by a platoon of US soldiers, reflecting that period of time when the US was engaged in a world war. The story itself is a humorous and satirical take on the traditional ghost story, blending elements of comedy, romance, and the supernatural. Wilde uses the story to explore themes such as the clash of cultures between American pragmatism and British tradition, the nature of bravery and redemption, and the power of love and forgiveness to transcend death. And in each adaptation, the ghost is doomed to continue its haunting until a brave deed is performed which frees it from its worldly constraints. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Kenneth Allen as Sir Simon, the ghost, David Whalley as the father of Sir Simon, Jackie Weiner as the aunt and cook, Cynthia Hile as Jessica, Jim Corsica as Cuffy, Kip Jones as the lieutenant and the GI from Hoboken, Gregg Birr as Edwards aka Trigger, Robert Mederios as Jordan, Vic Caroli is the narrator, and Michael Troop as the butler and sergeant. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
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    56 mins
  • Burns And Allen - Sweetheart

    Burns And Allen - Sweetheart
    Sep 1 2024
    The "Burns and Allen Show" was a popular American comedy show that aired on radio and television from the 1930s through the 1950s. The show starred George Burns and Gracie Allen, a real-life married couple, and was known for its witty humor and comedic sketches. The show often featured George Burns as the straight man and Gracie Allen as the comically confused character. Gracie's unique style of illogical and absurd reasoning, often referred to as "Gracie-logic," was a central element of the humor. George would play along with her misunderstandings and provide humorous commentary, creating a dynamic and hilarious interplay between the two. The show was known for breaking the fourth wall, with George Burns frequently addressing the audience directly and providing commentary on the events happening within the skits. The comedic routines often revolved around misunderstandings, wordplay, and absurd situations, which were the basis for much of the humor. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Michael Troop as George Burns and Jimmy Cash and the duck, Janina Birtolo as Gracie Allen, Jim Heffernan as Paul, Jim Corsica as Bill Goodwin, and Mitchel Frank as Keith. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
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    25 mins
  • Fat Man - Murder On The Menu

    Fat Man - Murder On The Menu
    Aug 1 2024
    The Fat Man" was a classic radio detective series which premiered on the ABC network in 1946. The show centered around Brad Runyon, a witty and intelligent detective who was also overweight, hence the nickname "The Fat Man." The show was notable for its blend of mystery, humor, and adventure, as well as its unique protagonist who didn't fit the typical mold of a suave, slim detective. The character of Brad Runyon was created by Dashiell Hammett, who also created the famous detective Sam Spade. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Jim Heffernan as the Fat Man, Janina Birtolo as Mrs. Duffy, Janie Ballurio as Marie and Kenneth Allen as the man. Michael Troop is the voice of Fogg, Ratface, Edward and Lucius Van Zandt. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
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    32 mins
  • Moment Of Darkness

    Moment Of Darkness
    Jul 1 2024
    “The Moment of Darkness” aired on the Suspense radio show on April 20, 1943 as the 38th of its 945 episodes. The story begins on a train journey to the French Riviera where a young girl hurries towards Car Number Ten, her heart pounding with a sense of urgency. ​ She encounters a mosaic of interesting characters, including a medium who claims to be able to raise the dead . Little does she know that her journey will be filled with mystery, danger, and a moment of darkness that ends in murder. While clues are planted here and there pointing to this or that character as the possible murderer, there is a nice double revelation at the end . So ,put on your detective hat, give it a listen, and see if you can figure out whodunit in “The Moment of Darkness.” This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Jackie Weiner as Marjorie, David Whalley as Stevens, Vic Caroli as Revel, Ellen Rodwick as Hester and Michael Troop as Blake. David Whalley also voices the guard and Vic Caroli is the narrator for this story. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
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    36 mins
  • My Dear Niece

    My Dear Niece
    Jun 1 2024
    "My Dear Niece" stands as a riveting episode from the iconic radio series "Suspense," originally airing in November 1958. Crafted by the prolific playwright Elliot Lewis, this gripping radio tale tells the story of what happens when a normally quiet widow, living in a quiet little town puts an ad in a local paper…an ad that leads to mayhem and murder! This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Judy Scribner as Mrs. Rogers, Jim Heffernan as Bruce; alias Stevens, Kip Jones as Al Neuholt, Thomas Wilde as Officer Barnes, Rebecca Troop as Mary, and Michael Troop as Mr. Meyers. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
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    23 mins