COMING THIS MONTH TO THE MUTUAL AUDIO NETWORK: Santa's Inbox!

Here's a promo for a special holiday podcast, which will start the day after (American) Thanksgiving: Friday, November 26th, and continue every Friday until Christmas Eve. Send your emails with Christmas Wish Lists, or special dedications to that certain someone, and Santa Claus will read them out loud, mentioning your first name only, and the city where you live (you can opt out of this bit). 

Don't wait to get started -- send yours to santas.xmas.inbox@gmail.com ! Parents should send their kids' messages on their behalf.  Make sure you're subscribed to the Mutual Audio Network. Thanks from Santa and Stinky the Elf!

Episode 9 -- "Christmas Show 1950", The Bing Crosby Chesterfield Show

Welcome to Old-Time Radio Essentials, a new podcast wherein a specific episode from a selected OTR series is presented, and then discussed by three co-hosts: Pete Lutz, Jane St. John and Paul Arbisi; to determine whether or not it meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

So with this in mind, we three bring you, as our ninth installment (and Pete's selection), this episode of The Bing Crosby Show from 1950. We'll introduce the show, play it in its entirety, then discuss it at length. Thanks for joining us, and we hope you enjoy it! 

Episode 1 -- "Treasure Island", The Mercury Theatre On the Air

Based on the very positive response from our 2nd annual Christmas Special, Moonlight Audio is happy to present the full series of Old-Time Radio Essentials, a podcast wherein a specific episode from a selected OTR series is presented, and then discussed by three co-hosts: Pete Lutz, Jane St. John and Paul Arbisi; to determine whether or not it meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

So with this in mind, we three bring you, as our first installment, the 2nd episode of Orson Welles's Mercury Theatre series, "Treasure Island", originally broadcast July 18th, 1938. We'll introduce the show, play it in its entirety, then discuss it at length. Thanks for joining us, and we hope you enjoy it! 

To comment or give suggestions for future discussions, please write to us at f6point3@gmail.com . Watch for monthly releases of Old-Time Radio Essentials, right here on Moonlight Audio!

Kraft Music Hall w/Bing Crosby 44-12-21 Christmas Show

Philco Radio Time w/Bing Crosby 47-12-24 Christmas Show

Yes, it's a full hour of music and comedy when Bing and his special guests gather round the microphone for the holidays. In these two examples of Bing's standard Christmas fare, we'll hear the 1944 Kraft Music Hall show, and the one from Philco Radio Time in 1947.

We hope you've enjoyed these holiday selections, personally selected by Moonlight Audio Theatre's curators. OLD TIME-RADIO

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE: The Case of the Slaughtered Santas (CHRISTMAS)

Sydney Greenstreet stars as the title character, which originated in the novels by Rex Stout. Wolfe is reluctant to take on a strange case involving the murders of several bell-ringing, corner-standing Santa Clauses. Originally aired 12/22/50. OLD-TIME RADIO

THE SIX-SHOOTER: "Britt Ponset's Christmas Carol"

Welcome to Old-Time Radio Essentials, a monthly podcast dedicated to the discussion and evaluation of various episodes of Old-Time Radio. As our title suggests, we look for and try to select those episodes that truly represent a particular series, and belong in every OTR aficionado's collection. And so we present, as our 2nd annual Christmas Special, this episode of the Western series starring James Stewart, "The Six-Shooter". Join us for the full episode, and stay for the discussion afterwards! Co-hosts Pete, Paul and Dave have years of experience listening to classic radio shows and you'll have fun listening to the deconstruction.

For more episodes of this series, search "Old-Time Radio Essentials" at naradaradio.libsyn.com

PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT LIGHTS WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS TREE, 1941 (CHRISTMAS)

In this historic broadcast direct from the White House, hear FDR's words as he lights the White House Christmas tree, just two weeks or so after the attack on Pearl Harbor. With greetings from the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, songs from a choir, and statements from both Pres. Roosevelt and special guest Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain, who was visiting Washington at the time. (OLD-TIME RADIO)

HOTPOINT HOLIDAY HOUR: "The Man Who Came to Dinner" starring Jack Benny (CHRISTMAS)

In this delightful radio adaptation of the famous Kaufman & Hart script, Jack Benny plays the curmudgeonly Sheridan Whiteside, who takes over the home of a wealthy family in an Ohio town, after he is injured in a fall. While the role wasn't written with Benny in mind, Jack's personality is infused with Whiteside's and the play truly becomes his. Enjoy! (OLD-TIME RADIO)

LUX RADIO THEATRE: Miracle on 34th Street (CHRISTMAS)

In this delightful adaptation of the classic Holiday film, Lux presents the story of Kriss Kringle, who gets hired as 'the best store Santa Claus ever" by Macy's Department Store in New York City. But is he truly old Saint Nick, as the children come to believe, or just a deranged old coot? Find out for yourself as you listen in delight to "Miracle on 34th Street"! Originally aired on CBS radio, 12-20-48.

SANTA'S STOLEN TOY SACK, A Jake Dimes Christmas Number

In this special Christmas Western adventure, Jake Dimes, Range Detective returns to tell a heartwarming tale of the Old West, so have a seat and lend us yore ears, pard'ners! Adapted, produced and directed by Pete Lutz, from a pulp Western story written by S. Omar Barker. Starring THE NARADA RADIO COMPANY.

CAST:

Dana Gonsalves as JAKE DIMES

Glenn Hascall as MR. PINKELSON

Austin Beach as BRIAR BUCK

John Bell as POP JECKLIN

Owen McCuen as OLD JOE McGILLIS

Agnes McCuen as CAP

Eloise McCuen as KITTY

Aubrey Miller as MARTHA and

Sebastian Ruiz as EDDIE

with additional voices by Lisa Michaud, Philboyd Studge, Ana Ruiz, Evy Elizondo, Crosby Miller, Eva Huckaby, Ian Robertson and Jacqueline Robertson.

Music passages came from "The Winter's Passed" by Wayne Barlow, plus the traditional Christmas carols "Wexford Carol" and "The Holly and the Ivy".

The Jake Dimes Theme was composed by Pete Lutz, arranged and performed by Dr. Ross Bernhardt.

MIRACLE FOR CHRISTMAS (DRAMA)

It's the Narada Radio Company's 2nd of three very special holiday offerings for 2020, a loving remake of the classic radio drama, "Miracle for Christmas", from the Grand Central Station series, broadcast annually for several years. Our script is from the 12-24-1949 broadcast. In this heartwarming tale, a cynical ambulance driver resents having to work on Christmas Eve; but he soon realizes the importance of his job when the young doctor he is transporting from case to case appears to perform miracle after miracle. You will want to listen to this one again and again. NARADA RADIO COMPANY

CAST:

ANNOUNCERS: Michele Barnett, Dawn Robertson

MAC: John Bell

DR. MASON: Dana Gonsalves

SWITCHBOARD GIRL/ELLIE: Jessica Mathews

DR. GARRETT: Chuck Wilson

DISPATCHER: Dawn Robertson

DRUNK/YOUNG FATHER: Pete Lutz

VOICE IN THE CROWD: Ross Bernhardt

MUSIC BY Dr. Ross Bernhardt

DIRECTED & PRODUCED BY Pete Lutz

Recorded via Zoom in November 2020.

PROJECT AUDION PRESENTS: "The Plot to Overthrow Christmas"

In this new production, the Project Audion players remake Norman Corwin's classic holiday tale, told completely in rhyme! We learn how the forces of evil want to destroy Christmas, and how a hero comes to the rescue! 

Project Audion was created in 2020 by Larry Groebe of Generic Radio Workshop and this is their 13th production, bringing actors from all over the United States, plus a few from Canada, together via Zoom to re-create the classics of Old-Time Radio. Find more productions (with video included!) at YouTube: search "project audion larry groebe".

CAST:

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (COMEDY)

Lovingly remade by the Narada Radio Company, this is Radio City Playhouse's adaptation of Paul Gallico's short story, originally broadcast 12/25/49 on NBC Radio. A newspaperman and his photographer are shanghaied on Christmas Eve by the Editor's bossy wife to find and deliver two goats and a red wagon. Hijinks and hilarity ensue as they reluctantly take on this challenge.

CAST:

Pete Lutz as PERRY BROWN

Dana Gonsalves as AL VOGEL

John Bell as TEX COURT and MR. PETTINGSOLL

Jessica Mathews as RUSTY

Michele Barnett as ANNOUNCER and MRS. BUANACASSA

Dawn Robertson as THE WAITRESS, MRS. PETTINGSOLL and THE BOY

Chuck Wilson as THE BUTLER and THE WAITER

John Bell, Jessica Mathews and Chuck Wilson as THE GOATS.

Music was by Dr. Ross Bernhardt.

Direction and post-production by Pete Lutz

Recorded in Zoom in November 2020.

THE LAST WIGWAM CHRISTMAS (SUPERNATURAL/CHRISTMAS)

"Uncanny County" is an anthology series featuring stories of the supernatural, the weird, and the macabre; sometimes the stories are touching, other times they're humorous. But they're always extremely well-made and entertaining. 

In "The Last Wigwam Christmas", an Indian-themed motel on a deserted stretch of road is seeing an unusual amount of traffic on Christmas Eve. In Uncanny County, anything can happen, and it usually does.

CAST:

Alison Crane, Todd Faulkner, Emily Edwards, Matthew Hammond, Ron Sanborn, Monah Yancy, William Franke

Written by Allison Crane, adapted from her play.

Uncanny County created by Todd Faulkner & Alison Crane

Produced by Todd Faulkner, Alison Crane and William Franke

Executive Producer: Jessica Walker

A Christmas Carol is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and illustrated by John Leech.

A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, and then three other spirits, all in hopes of transforming Scrooge into a better man.

This production is brought to you by Studio Severn, produced and directed by Gareth Severn. It is an adaptation of the 1939 radio play starring Lionel Barrymore, whom some say was the best and only Ebeneezer Scrooge.

Narrator/Belle's Husband/Second Gentleman – Gareth Severn

Ebenezer Scrooge – Glenn Hascall

Bob Cratchit – Rocky Westbrook

Fred (Scrooge's Nephew) – Ted Wenskus

Gentleman (Collector for charity)/Tiny Tim – Steven Walker

Ghost of Marley – Pete Lutz

Ghost of Christmas Past – Larry Oliver

Ghost of Christmas Present – Dexter Herron

Fezziwig  – Owen McCuen

Belle/Fran/Girl  – Zoe Jenkins

Mrs Cratchit – Julia Eve

Martha Cratchit – Sarah Pinel

First Gentleman – Tom Fellas

Mrs Dilber – Natalie Winter

Charwoman – Lillian Rachel

Undertaker's Man – Cary Michel Ayers

Old Joe – Terry Cooper

Scrooge's Niece – Natalie Chisolm

The Cratchitt Children - Zoe Jenkins, Gareth Severn, Joanie and Chloe Denhart

Ask Answergirl is unique eleven-part collaborative audio drama experience created by Central Michigan University College of the Arts and Media faculty and students. Each episode contains a mini-mystery designed to invite listeners to use their ears – and their brains – to solve the case before Zina.  But don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees and miss the far bigger mystery bubbling beneath the surface of the bucolic CPSU campus. Appropriate for listeners of all ages.

IN THIS EPISODE: Zina gets called in to investigate some missing exams from a professor’s office, when she encounters her old nemesis Caitlyn. Surely, she couldn’t be at again, could she? Or can a leopard not change her spots? Keep your eyes open, as things are not always where they appear. EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WILL ANDERSON

NIGHT TERRORS – A CALL ON CHRISTMAS - PART 2 of 2 (HORROR) A group of friends decides to throw a party that does away with all the traditions of the holidays. No traditional meal, no holiday films, and no gifts. The only flaw in this seemingly perfect party is a series of phone calls that continue to harass the party. As Christmas Eve unfolds, the group discovers their “no traditions” party may have caught the attention of a mysterious and unwelcome guest. Night Terrors’ homage to the master of holiday tales, Bob Clark. TALL TALE THEATRE

 Featuring the voice talents of Miranda DiPietro, Kyle Kimmerly, Fay Lynn, Alley Biniarz, Dane Fader, Michael J. Krym, Eric Branget, and Julius Cho. Written by - Eric Branget, Re-mastered by - Mitchell Branget. Original opening theme composed by - Nicholas Burque. Directed by - Eric Branget

NIGHT TERRORS – A CALL ON CHRISTMAS - PART 1 (HORROR) A group of friends decides to throw a party that does away with all the traditions of the holidays. No traditional meal, no holiday films, and no gifts. The only flaw in this seemingly perfect party is a series of phone calls that continue to harass the party. As Christmas Eve unfolds, the group discovers their “no traditions” party may have caught the attention of a mysterious and unwelcome guest. Night Terrors’ homage to the master of holiday tales, Bob Clark. TALL TALE THEATRE

 Featuring the voice talents of Miranda DiPietro, Kyle Kimmerly, Fay Lynn, Alley Biniarz, Dane Fader, Michael J. Krym, Eric Branget, and Julius Cho. Written by - Eric Branget, Re-mastered by - Mitchell Branget. Original opening theme composed by - Nicholas Burque. Directed by - Eric Branget

THE CHRONICLES OF A TIME LORD - THE FINAL GAME – Part 1 (SCI-FI) In this Doctor Who fan-fiction adventure, it is the mid-1970's and the U.N.I.T annual Christmas party is in full swing. Corporals Maisie Hawk and Carol Bell are coming to the end of their shift when an unidentified craft appears on their radar. The Doctor, Sarah Jane Smith, and the Brigadier all rush to the crash site where the Doctor's worst fears are met when he realizes that the unidentified craft is, in fact, a TARDIS escape pod containing The Master. Studio Severn and Black Glove Studios

NARADA AUDIO DRIVE-IN #3 (SPECIAL FEATURE) Happy Holidays! For your Seasonal entertainment, here's a nice mix of the old-and-new: Some original material and a few old-time radio remakes in the ol' Christmas spirit! We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it for you. THIS EPISODE'S FEATURES: Bill Bixby Book Review, Jake Dimes-Chapter 3, Scrooge and Marley’s Reunion, Robert Frost’s Stopping by Woods On A Snowy Evening, The March Sister’s Christmas, George Wither’s A Christmas Carol 1622 and the Bickerson’s Christmas Eve.  Narada Radio Company

NARADA AUDIO DRIVE-IN #2 (SPECIAL FEATURE) (LANGUAGE) Welcome to Episode 2 of the Narada Audio Drive-In, the Pulp-Pourri Theatre Season Four Extra! In this special new format, we will present a triple-feature with every installment! So park your car, prop the speaker in the window, sit back, and enjoy the show! We've included some historic recordings from drive-in movies for your entertainment. THIS EPISODE'S FEATURES: The Consumer Review: Just in time for Christmas, our consumer reviewer, Armhurst Suyderhoud, brings to our attention a child’s plaything with potential hazards, Jake Dimes, Range Detective - Chapter 2: "Taming the Man-Killer" and Pulp-Pourri Theatre: "Black Roses", a study in terror. Written by Mark Slade. A group of friends and thieves steal a valuable object and unleash an ancient creature, who is rather hungry. Narada Radio Company

WENCE UPON A TIME (CHRISTMAS) Just in time for Christmas a New Holiday treat from a radio drama group based out of Kelowna, BC Canada. Find out what surprise awaits Good King Wenceslas and his loyal page when they venture out into that cruel and frosty night on the Feast of Stephen.  Start a new Christmas tradition; cozy up with friends and family around the 'radio' and set your imagination free with this funny and heart-warming Christmas tale. Wence Upon A Time radio play script written by Andrew Smith, Tami Smith and Avery Smith. Original songs written by Andrew Smith © 2015 Andrew Smith (SOCAN) – Lake Studios

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS DAY (CHRISTMAS) Is an uplifting and humorous story filled with an inspirational message of hope. John, a stressed-out working father, embarks on a journey of reconnection with the true meaning of today’s Christmas. This full-cast dramatization features vivid sound effects accompanied by unforgettable original music. A new holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy together! Includes the Sequel: The Week After It’s Christmas Day.

VOICES IN THE WIND AUDIO THEATRE

REQUIEM FOR AN ELF (MYSTERY) It is a season not to be trusted, my friends. It can dress up sadness as nostalgia, tackiness as whimsy and grey-green slush as "Christmas snow"... but it didn't seem like all the holiday spirit in the world was going to do the little man in the red suit and even redder puddle of his own blood much good, now was it? Decoder Ring Theatre