Review: McKinney Repertory Presents “Radio Suspense Theatre: The First Episode”

MCKINNEY, TEXAS:  McKinney Repertory Theatre (MRT) delivered a dynamic, intelligent and thoroughly immersive show with their premiere post-pandemic production, “Radio Suspense Theatre:  The First Episode.”

Written by Steve Cleberg, “Radio Suspense Theatre:  The First Episode” constructs an imaginative show-within-a-show that transports the audience to a Depression-era radio studio. Here, we find a diverse array of characters preparing for, then performing, two radio melodramas interspersed with musical numbers and period-authentic commercial interludes.

Under the astute direction of Marilyn Latham, MRT’s skilled cast and crew craft a supremely engaging, entertaining, and praise-worthy production. The show’s sentimental Prairie Home Companion-esque vibe melds seamlessly with well-honed physical comedy and dynamic performances which were enthusiastically devoured by the pandemic-weary crowd. For many in attendance, myself included, this show offered a much-needed opportunity to once again immerse the senses in the sorely-missed sights and sounds of live theatre.

Although many of the roles in this show could have devolved into two-dimensional cliches in the wrong hands, this professional MRT cast immersed themselves in their parts and constructed multi-faceted characters which sprang to life on the stage. The players also skillfully navigated the show’s nostalgic terrain without ever appearing campy or insincere. The end result yields an endearing, lush, and wholly immersive theatrical landscape that permits characters to flow and develop at a natural pace.

Opening the show, Morgan Dayley’s portrayal of actress “Betty Holloway” delivered an enchanting and engaging vocal number flawlessly executed and beautifully accompanied by Martin Morgan as pianist “Ned Styles.” Crowd favorite, “Morty Sparks” performed by Dale G. Gutt, was the dynamic comedic glue that fused the production together. Witnessing his transition from a socially-awkward and painfully nervous last-minute fill-in to a suave and self-assured actor energized the crowd and supplied some big laughs. As his budding love interest, the dynamically talented Juliana Stalter commanded the stage with an endearing portrayal of “Jane Blaine.” Mac Wright’s delivery of, “Pete Buttons,” rounded out the comedic talent on stage and crafted a clean and crisp image of a former vaudeville star turned radio actor. Victoria Steffins balanced the comedy with her no-nonsense portrayal of the multi-talented “Lois Lange” fawning after Sue Goodner’s larger-than-life, adept depiction of the company’s resident diva, “Sylvia Jarvis”.

Beyond the abundant talent in speaking roles, foley artists Carl Askew, Lindsey Humphries and Doug Latham supplied a lively and engaging onstage soundscape which helped transport the audience back to the bygone era of radio drama.

Overall, this immersive show crafted a delightfully fun, sublimely sentimental, and much-needed lighthearted theatrical frolic. This show is well worth the attention of DFW-area theatre fans eager to bask in the light of some feel-good, laugh-out-loud theatrical radio show nostalgia.

“Radio Suspense Theatre: The First Episode”

McKinney Repertory’s “Radio Suspense Theatre: The First Episode,” directed by Marilyn Latham, runs through May, 15th 2021 at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. The show features Martin Morgan as pianist “Ned Styles,” Morgan Daylet as “Betty Holloway,” Steve Koonce as “Allen Burns,” Carl Askew as “Buddy Carlson,” Doug Latham and Lindsey Humprhries  as “Foley Artists,” Victoria Steffins as “Lois Lange,” Mac Wright at “Pete Buttons,” Dale G. Gutt as “Morty Sparks,” Jessie Johnson as “Robert Goodbar,” Juli Stalter as “Jane Blaine,” and Sue Goodner as “Sylvia Jarvis.” The production also includes stage management courtesy of Nadine Donnelly-Johnson, costuming from Teresa Miller, light design from Dave Tenney and sounds design from Doug Latham.

To learn more about future MRT productions visit them at Mckinneyrep.org or call 214-544-4630.

Photo credit:  Dave Tenney