Bangor, Maine - Novelist and local resident Stephen King won’t be the only person to call Bangor, Maine the home of horror this Halloween. In the spirit of Orson Welles’ 1938 Halloween “War of the Worlds” broadcast, Husson University will perform a live radio drama on the stage of the Gracie Theatre on October 30 at 7:30 p.m.Billed as “Tales of Mystery and Imagination,” the cast of Husson University students and local area residents will treat the audience to adaptations of two classic horror stories by Edgar Allan Poe. During this 30-minute performance at the Gracie Theatre, the audience will have the opportunity to watch as both actors and sound effect foley artists work together to create a terrifying audio environment reminiscent of the dark ages. Those not in attendance can listen to this live radio drama on WHSN 89.3 FM.
“This is our 4th annual live Halloween radio broadcast,” said Ken Stack, Director of Entertainment Production at the New England School of Communication at Husson University. “Our broadcast brings our students and audience back to the golden days of radio when “The Shadow”, “Lights Out” and the “Inner Sanctum” ruled the airwaves. In order to fully appreciate radio broadcasting today, you have to understand its origins. Besides being entertaining, this annual live broadcast serves as a valuable educational experience
for the students in our broadcast communications program.”
The Maine Association of Broadcasters, (MAB) has recognized the annual live Halloween radio broadcast for the past three consecutive years. Entered into MAB’s annual awards competition, “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” first distinguished itself in 2010 by winning an honorable mention in the “Locally Produced Program” category. In 2011, the radio program received first place in the same category. Last year, the program won second place. In addition, the 2011 edition of the broadcast won a first place award from the Broadcast Education Association.
In reflecting on the success of the live radio show, Stack remarked, “The quality and consistency of “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” is a tribute to both the students and staff at the New England School of Communication at Husson University. Members of greater Bangor community who attend the performance will no doubt be impressed by the professional quality of the broadcast.”
This first of this year’s stories is Edgar Alan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death.” It tells the tale of a ruler, Prince Prospero, who welds the doors of his castle shut to seal out his subjects who are dying from a terrible disease. And while no one can get in, it also means, no one can leave. Within his walls, he and his guests celebrate their good fortune until suddenly; an unexpected visitor makes an appearance…
In the “Pit and the Pendulum,” the audience hears the story of a man sentenced to death by a panel of black-robed, pale-faced judges during the infamous Spanish Inquisition. He talks about his experiences as a captive in a dank and lightless cell. Will he survive or will his demise be his only means of escape?
This live performance is free and open to the public. Since the radio drama is being simulcast on WHSN-FM, the show will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Individuals interested in attending the live performance at the Gracie Theatre are requested to be in their seats no later than 7:20 p.m.
“Watching the sound effects being made is half the fun. I hope everyone in Bangor will consider joining us. Radio is still the theater of the mind and of the imagination,” said Stack.
Completed in October of 2009, The Gracie is Husson University's center for the fine and performing arts. This beautiful new 500-seat theatre is quickly earning a reputation as one of Maine’s premier performance venues. In addition, The Gracie also serves as a learning platform for students from the New England School of Communications in digital audio, sound mixing, set design and construction, lighting, acting and electronics. For more information, visit GracieTheatre.com
The New England School of Communications (NESCom) at Husson University, offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Communications Technology, Entertainment Production and in Media Studies. Within these degrees, students may choose from concentrations in Audio Engineering, Live Sound Technology, Video Production, Web Media, Journalism, Marketing Communications, Radio Broadcasting, Entertainment Production, and Sports Journalism. The New England School of Communications specializes in communications, providing students with a hands-on experience that gives them the education and skills needed for today's job market.
For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in South Portland, Wells and Presque Isle provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies, science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu
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