In 1941, at the height of radio’s golden age, writer-director Norman Corwin—the poet laureate of the airwaves—penned a satirical fable that sparkled with humor and humanity. Mary and the Fairy debuted on the Columbia Workshop, with Elsa Lanchester and Ruth Gordon lending their comic brilliance to a story that pokes gentle fun at American advertising, wish fulfillment, and the dream of instant happiness.

The play follows Mary Pooter, a sweet but simple shopgirl from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who wins a radio contest sponsored by Crinkly-Crunkly Bread—“Nature’s Own All-Out Campaign to Build Sturdy Bodies and Strong Nerves.” Her prize? A visit from the company’s Good Fairy, who promises to grant her five wishes. Unfortunately, this particular fairy is less enchanted than overworked—a weary cog in a corporate promotion machine whose magic, like most advertising promises, comes with fine print.

As Mary’s dreams unravel—romance, fame, sophistication, and all—Corwin’s script veers from whimsy to poignancy, reminding us that no magic wand can grant self-worth or love. Mary and the Fairy is both poignant and comedic, a wry commentary on consumer culture that still feels surprisingly fresh today.

In this Naples Players Radio Theatre revival, the story takes on new resonance—a laugh, a sigh, and a knowing nod to anyone who’s ever wished for more than life (or a fairy from New Jersey) could deliver.

This Repertoire Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Kimberly Albrecht as Mary Pooter, Keneth Wetcher as the Fairy, Stenley Jean-Charles as Reggie… Jack Weld as Ronald DeVore and Michael Troop as the Romanian Prince.

Music Acknowledgment & Fair Use Notice

Music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Excerpts of historic recordings are used in this production for purposes of dramatic illustration, historical reference, and artistic context and have been edited and altered for dramatic purpose.

All music excerpts are the property of their respective copyright holders and are used here in accordance with U.S. copyright law under the doctrine of fair use (17 U.S.C. §107).

This audio presentation features:

“The Farmer in the Dell (String Orchestra Version)”

Traditional nursery rhyme.

Performed by Kids Music / Children’s Music Symphony.

Distributed by IIP-DDS.

Source: YouTube.

No ownership of these works is claimed, and no commercial use is intended. Listeners are encouraged to seek out and enjoy the complete original recordings from authorized sources.

This performance is presented as a historical recreation of a classic radio broadcast. All rights to the original script and characters remain with their respective copyright holders. This production is non-commercial and for educational and entertainment purposes only.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit repertoireradiotheatre.substack.com