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THE GRAY AREA SEASON ONE EPISODE 0: Prologue
Virginia Gaskell, an underappreciated 66-year-old cult writer forced into a rest home, contends with mysterious voices summoned from her typewriter and an obscure literary interviewer named Ed Champion. (9 minutes)
Written, directed and edited by Edward Champion
CAST:
Virginia Gaskell: Chris Smith
Ed Champion: Edward Champion
Orderly: Zachary Michael
Demon #1: Greta Christie
Demon #2: Pete Lutz
GRAY AREA PRODUCTIONS present Libromendel
During an unspecified “government transition” in the near future, the young scholar Alejandra Cortez (no relation to AOC) returns home from Rhinebeck on an extremely rainy night and stumbles into a West Village café where she was once a regular during the Second Trump Administration. But aside from the rowdy RPG players, what happened to all the colorful eccentrics? Why does nobody remember the history of Café Gluck aside from an overworked barista named Sporschill? Who is the strange new owner claiming to be a “crypto king”? And why doesn’t anybody remember the charming and eccentric old bookseller Jaime Abrego Mendel who set up shop in the adjacent card room every day? This full-cast 332 track standalone epic examines the true human cost of removing vital figures from American life. (Running time: 54 minutes)
Written, produced, and directed by Edward Champion
Adapted from the short story “Buchmendel” by Stefan Zweig
Original music soundtrack by Edward Champion
CAST:
Alejandra: Belgys Felix
Mendel: Wolf Reigns
Florian: Zack Glassman
Standhartner: Sally Maitland
Sporschill: Julie Chapin
Ramirez: Melissa Medina
Dirks: Luvelle Pierre
Tallis: Jack Ward
Becky: Emily Carding
ICE Officer: Will Billingsley
ICE Officer #2: Frank Romeo
Felicia/The Radio: Samantha Jo
Clueless Customer: Glenn Kenny
The New Yorkers: Heath Martin and Pauly Sinatra
Boris: Pete Lutz
DM: Dr. Implausible
The Staffers: Ella Gans and Jay Silver
Victim: Zoraya Christian
Exuberant Customer: Lokia Rockwell
Café Patron: Laura Spear
and Edward Champion as The Assassin.
This is a co-production of The Sonic Society and The Gray Area.
EPISODE 1 - Meltdown
Welcome. Welcome to Mutant County! Lady Finger is a small town like any other. Nestled in the heart of a small county, the denizens are, for the most part, just like you and me. In fact, they could be you and me except for one important detail… or two.
Lady Finger and the surrounding hamlets that make up Clover County will – in the not too distant future – suffer massive nuclear fallout from a sudden reactor leak. Soon they will be quietly wondering if the radioactivity created the abominations that besiege their little community or indeed merely attracted them – perhaps from some unspeakable interdimensional rift.
By the time the Cultists take over the local graveyard and mysterious government agents impose an invisible barrier around the entire county “for their safety”, Clover County will be no more, and Mutant County will stand, festering, in its place. And yet the good people of the county remain, and they’d like to welcome you to their little village… be it ever so humble.
Episode 1, “Meltdown” was written and performed by Michael P. Thiessen & Peter Church.
GOOD THINGS COME (DARK COMEDY) Some say having an open window while you sleep at night is a guarantee of good health. For young Ellen it was an open invitation to allow all manner of scary things to enter her cozy little bedroom. But as she grew older, Ellen discovered an open window wasn’t so scary after all. As a child she shivered from fear. But now she shivers with anticipation... Official Listening Selection at the HEAR NOW: The Audio Fiction and Arts Festival 2015.
Check out our other full cast audio dramas!
VOICES IN THE WIND AUDIO THEATRE
THE ROAR OF THE CROWD (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE The Tunnels thrum, the city roars, and the Policies of HartLife are beside themselves - the long promised Launch Day has arrived. With the dastardly plans of Project Manager Charles Wynn revealed to a few and the Hendersonians closing in on the festivities on Level Omega, what will happen when the Hope of HartLife is finally set to its purpose? Find out, as the Fifth seasonal retelling of the history of Our Fair City comes to a close. Hartlife Studios
NOTE: This Episode concludes Season 5
A SINGLE TWISTED SPOKE (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE As Launch Day for the Hope of HartLife draws closer, the intrepid Andrew Snidge digs deeper into the mystery that is the Big Dig project. What does Project Manager Charles Wynn have in store for Cassie and the rest of our meddlesome heroes? Find out as the story of Our Fair City continues. Hartlife Studios
LOAMY’S CHOICE (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE The warrens of Old Tunnel are vast, labyrinthine, and dangerous. One must take the utmost caution when traversing their mold-ridden expanses–unless, of course, you are the Mole Person designated Loamy. Then, barbeque sauce and a nursery song will have to do. Hartlife Studios
DINNER WITH THE GOOD DOCTORS (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Tonight, we return to that lair of unnatural, unsupervised, and decidedly un-corporate science: the Montgomery Moro Museum and Memorial House, as we join the Doctors and Andrew Snidge as they welcome Cassie in for that most dangerous of gatherings: a home-cooked meal with the family. Hartlife Studios
DECLAWED (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE What dreams might rest inside the sleeping brain of a Mole Person? While you, loyal Policy, have surely never wasted valuable corporate time on such frivolous thoughts–rest assured, the company has an answer. Journey with us into…the mind of the MOLE. Hartlife Studios
ARTISTIC DIFFERENCES (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Tensions begin to boil as a group of insurgents, know only as “The Hendersonians,” prepare for a stunning display of corporate disloyalty and defiance. What horrors will they unleash on the good Policies of HartLife? What harm will they do to the mighty infrastructure of the Corporation? And most importantly–how will HartLife restore order and safety? Find out…as the story of Our Fair City continues. Hartlife Studios
GEONAUTICAL CONSOLE-TATIONS (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Descend with the young Cassie Wilkins into the very bowels of the city, to the newly carved out Sector Omega. Thrill at being deeper than any policy has ever gone before- and marvel at the magnificent and mammoth Geoship that will take Policy Wilkins even deeper. Yes, loyal listeners- it is truly a new day of exploration for Our Fair City. Hartlife Studios
RISE AND SHINE (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Policies, do not listen to the Outsider or Dissenter, who may tell you that your commute to work in the morning is unpleasant! With HartLife, all elements of the work-day experience have been finely crafted to encourage employee satisfaction, synergistic excellence, and above all, maximum productivity. Truly: who could not appreciate the gentle, warming lightrise as the daytime illumination slowly comes online? The clean, cool feel of the recirculated air, pumping gently through your tunnels? The first whiff of Algae-based coffee beverages, distributed at a compact, efficient kiosk in your PeopleMover station? But wait- who is that behind the kiosk desk? Find out, as the story of Our Fair City continues. Hartlife Studios
EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE The day begins unexpectedly for Doctor Emily Caligari, as she desperately attempts to avoid that high crime against Productivity, Tardiness. Will she arrive at her meeting on time? Will our friends, the newly underemployed riggers, find suitable occupations? Will Sandy and Clay settle down into co-habitating bliss? Will Elizabeth Rourke pass her Identity Variance exam? Find out, as the story of Our Fair City…continues. Hartlife Studios
THE RIGHT STUFF (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
We rejoin the policies of HartLife as they bask in the warm glow of the power surplus created by the fusion reactor and Neal Henderson’s sacrifice. HartLife is not idle, however, what will the company do with this new bounty? What new joys will they bring their loyal policies? What pleasures will our dear friends experience during this time of plenty? Find out, as the Fifth Season of the HartLife Historical Records begins….
Hartlife Studios
Neal Henderson (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
The city waits with bated breath as Neal Henderson, the Sharp Chuter, descends to the Putrescible Waste Fields to provide the power necessary to jump start the Doctors’ Fusion Reactor. Can the actions of one man, no matter how mighty, make a difference in the monolithic tower of the HartLife corporation?
NOTE: This Episode Concludes Season Four
Hartlife Studios
OPERATION (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
As the power supplies of the city continue to dwindle, the Doctors Caligari, West and Moro work with Vice President Davenport to convince the newly returned Neal Henderson to jump start their fusion reactor. Will the Sharp Chuter be willing to help the city that cast him out? Will Loamy survive the tender ministrations of Doctor West? Will the reactor start in time to save the policies…and the Company?
Hartlife Studios
Opposite Reactions (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
Vice President Davenport and The Switcher attempt to put their plan to jump-start Dr. West and Dr. Caligari’s reactor, but are stymied by none other than Special Agent George Chamberlain. On the run from a psychotic madman with a badge and a gun, what hope do they, or indeed any Policies of HartLife, have of surviving this crisis?
Hartlife Studios
OFF THE RECORD (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
We return to the Data Extraction suites of the department of Human Resources, as Erin Davenport (model employee) administers compulsory physical coaching and inquiry-based communication to the Switcher (dangerous free-thinker). What will happen when her father, Vice President Edward Davenport, arrives on the scene? Is there any hope for the Switcher? Find out, as the story of Our Fair City…continues.
Hartlife Studios
LESSONS IN HUMILITY (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
In the loading bay for the Dead Disposal Drivers, our MolePeople friends Clay and Sandy are recruited to assist Simon in the loading of the unusually high number of retired policies. However, when Vice President Davenport appears to move his power production plan forward, how will he react to these off-the-clock shenanigans? Will the M.O.L.E.s be punished for participating in human work, and what will happen to the oft-delinquent Simon?
Hartlife Studios
A MEETING OF MINDS AND HEADS (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
Dr. Caligari, now working with Vice President Davenport on the Power Crisis, stalks the twisting warrens of Old Tunnel in search of that most dangerous of prey: Dr. Herbert West.
Hartlife Studios
GREEN TIDINGS (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
We return to the newly discovered verdant “Eden,” outside the walls of the company, where Neal Henderson, Alison, and the rest of the crew of the downed rig Stormhawk work to survive without HartLife under the tutelage of Dora, amateur naturalist and window-washer.
Hartlife Studios
THE SWITCHER (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
Putting Dr. Caligari’s plan into action, Vice President Davenport visits the Power Management station. Will the Switcher deliver the power he needs to save the city, or will he choose callous self-interest over the good of the Company?
Hartlife Studios
THE DELICATE ART OF DIPLOMACY (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
As power reserves continue to dwindle and food stores run low, we visit the hardworking policies of the Human Resources department. Productivity is threatened as the riots escalate outside and their Vice President gets a visit from someone from the air ducts.
Hartlife Studios
ENCOUNTER (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
In which the survivors of the lightning rig crash scrounge as if their lives depend on it, run like there’s no tomorrow, and encounter that most rare and mysterious of denizens of that Outside: Vegetation.
Hartlife Studios
THE ACTUARIES (SCI-FI / DARK COMEDY) LANGUAGE Our Fair City is a post-apocalyptic science fiction / dark comedy audio drama set in the not so distant future where the skies are stormy, and the landscape is a vast frozen tundra. Lightning rigs high above the city gather energy from thunderstorms, mad scientists walk the earth, and adorably monstrous Molepeople dig tunnels deep underground to expand the city’s habitable space.
Desperately in search of solutions to the growing power crisis, Vice President Davenport ascends the tower to the vaulted halls of…The Actuaries. Treading where no sane Policy should tred, he risks everything for the good of the Company. Think on his sacrifices, Loyal Policies, and consider: what have I given up for my Company today?
Hartlife Studios