Change the Station

Play

New Work
Writers: Wade Bradford Christopher Flowers

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2016
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A mid-sized radio station, Portland, Oregon, 1930s
Cast Size
small
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, mature adult, young adult characters

Synopsis

It’s the 1930s, the glory days of radio. Radio dramas are thriving! Well, everywhere except Portland’s local station KOD. This run-down station is struggling to stay on the air. After receiving a cease-and-desist letter, the long-running show “Stan Shade, Private Eye” must come to an end. In an effort to save the station, owner Fredrick Glass has secretly worked out a deal to become an NBC affiliate. All he has to do is introduce a new hit show that will keep the advertisers happy until the contract is signed. Finally, all the success Fred has always wanted... that is, if he can keep it a secret from the employees to prevent them messing everything up. Egotistical, rising-star Jack, knowing the new show is his big break, demands a younger leading lady. He mistakes Nora, a young intern related and sent by the NBC executive brokering Fred’s deal, for his new actress and assigns her the leading role. Unfortunately, as far as acting talent goes, she has none. Meanwhile, Virginia Moorehead, the station’s seasoned actress, who’s keeping a few secrets of her own, returns from lunch and learns she’s been demoted. She quits and storms off. William Wells, the legendary, veteran leading man, begins to fall apart, unable to handle being cast as the co-starring villain of the new show. Lester Foley, the station’s gopher and sound effects artist becomes immediately and awkwardly smitten with Nora. Leaving Agnes, the station’s all-purpose secretary, assistant, and copywriter, to try to hold everything together, but only if she is made an equal partner. Madcap comedy ensues with a wild and raucous “on-air” finale. Will the new show be a success? Will Agnes save the day? Will Fred be able to change the station?

Lead Characters


Change the Station guide sections