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Overview

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?

Show Information

Book
Wade Bradford , Christopher Flowers
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
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
Licensor
Eldridge Publishing
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

William Wells

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Fred Glass

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Agnes Payne

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Nora Harvey

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Jack Donovan

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Virginia Moorehead

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Lester Foley

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher