NO SOAP RADIO presents: The Shadow, "The Silent Avenger"

Our 3rd NO SOAP RADIO production created in September, 2022. This is a recreation of the 1938 episode of The Shadow entitled "The Silent Avenger” and was our first attempt at something besides comedy.

The show was produced, directed and edited by Paul Kovit. Paul also recreated the original music cues using the organ samples in GarageBand, and arranged the Shadow theme music under the end credits.

If you’d like to see a video version of this show checkout our website: https://nosoapradioplayers.com/

While there you can access our other productions as well as info about our group. And if you like our videos feel free to hit the subscribe button on YouTube so you can be alerted as soon as we release another production.

CAST: Ian Oberg as The Announcer, a policeman, and Mr. O’Hara Victoria Gordon as Margo Lane and the little girl Paul Kovit as Danny Brecker Zach Dillinger as Lamont Cranston and The Shadow Annette Bochenek as Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Brecker Tony Semczuk as Judge Wilson, The Prison Guard, and The Commissioner Paul Patterson as Joe Brecker Zach Eastman as The Court Bailiff, Harvey, and The Paper Boy

 

NO SOAP RADIO: The Jack Benny Program, "No One Remembers Jack's Birthday"

Our 4th NO SOAP RADIO production was created in February, 2023 and premiered at the 3rd annual Jack Benny Convention. This is a recreation of the 1955 Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny - "No One Remembers Jack's Birthday". We chose this particular program to spotlight one of our actors, Victoria Gordon. Victoria’s grandfather, Al Gordon, was one of the writers on this show. Al was part of Jack Benny’s writing staff for many years and also had a very successful career writing for many TV sitcoms and variety shows throughout the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.

This show was produced, directed and edited by Paul Kovit. If you’d like to see a video version of this show checkout our website: https://nosoapradioplayers.com/ While there you can access our other productions as well as info about our group. And if you like our videos feel free to hit the subscribe button on YouTube so you can be alerted as soon as we release another production.

CAST: Jack West as Jack Benny Ian Oberg as Don Wilson Victoria Gordon as Pauline, Lois, and the Ticket Taker Paul Kovit as Danny Brecker Zach Dillinger as Charlie Bagby Laura Mirksy as Dennis Day’s mother Annette Bochenek as Mary Livingstone and The Lucky Strike singer Tony Semczuk as Mel, Polly the Parrot, and The Theater Manager Paul Patterson as Rochester Zach Eastman as the speaking Dennis Day Robert Creighton as the singing Dennis Day Marco Bautista, Martin O’Reilly, and Leonardo Civitano as The Beavers Patricia Benjamin-Doyle as the Western Union Operator and Opera Singer Adrienne Jones, Margo Hennebach, and Mark Saunders as the Birthday Singers

Our 10th NO SOAP RADIO production is based on an original script written by Craig Shemin. This Jack Benny Program takes place in 1955. Jack wonders what it would be like if he was the subject on the TV show This Is Your Life. All of the usual cast of characters make appearances, including Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Rochester, Don Wilson, Frank Nelson, and Professor LeBlanc. Also a number of guest stars appear including Jack Benny's sister Florence, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Groucho Marx, and Fred Allen! The show was produced, directed and edited by Paul Kovit.

If you’d like to see a video version of this show checkout our website: https://nosoapradioplayers.com/ While there you can access our other productions as well as info about our group. And if you like our videos feel free to hit the subscribe button on Youtube so you can be alerted as soon as we release another production.

CAST: John Bell as Jack Benny Eric Jacobson as George Burns Stephanie D’Abruzzo as Gracie Allen Noah Diamond as Groucho Marx Larry Groebe as Fred Allen Craig Shemin as Professor LeBlanc Victoria Gordon as Daisy and The Lucky Strike singer Paul Kovit as Ralph Edwards Zach Dillinger as Phil Harris Annette Bochenek as Mary Livingstone Tony Semczuk as Frank Nelson and Jack Bailey Paul Patterson as Rochester John Henderson as Don Wilson Zach Eastman as Dennis Day Laura Mirsky as Florence

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 47: The Whistler (our 2025 New Year's Special!)

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 47, the 10th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Pete's pick , an episode of The Whistler, entitled "The First Year"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

So with this in mind, we three bring you, as our forty-seventh number (but 10th official episode of S4), this episode of The Whistler, from 12-31-47. We'll introduce the show, play it in its entirety, then discuss it at length. Thanks for joining us, and we hope you enjoy it! 

Please show your support of the podcast by doing any of the following...

To comment on how we might improve OTR-E, or give suggestions for future discussions, please write to us at [email protected] . Put the word "Essentials" in the subject line.

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Patte's pick again, and she'll bring us an episode of the exciting anthology series, On Stage! Join us then, won't you?

Long, long before George Burns became the senior citizen movie star of films like "The Sunshine Boys" and "Oh God!" he was familiar to radio and television audiences across the country as the grounded half of the comedy couple Burns and Allen, with real-life wife (and vaudeville partner) Gracie Allen playing the ditzy dame of the duo. Theirs was a 25-year run on the airwaves, and now for Project Audion, Pete Lutz has penned a fresh new Burns and Allen script that recalls the best of their radio work during World War II, right down to their sponsor of the time, Swan Soap. Much like Bob Hope and Jack Benny did, we find the two of them at a naval base entertaining the troops, along with guest stars Henry Fonda and Chico Marx.

You'll be entertained by Audion's transcribed-live transcontinental cast of delicious, delirious vocal talents:

John Bell (as George) in Alabama

Mel Rose (as Gracie) in Pennsylvania

Dana Gonsalves (as Bill Goodwin) in Texas

Les Marsden (as Chico Marx) in California

Scott R. McKinley (as Henry Fonda) in New Jersey 

Pete Lutz (as Mel Blanc as PO2 Ferguson) in Texas

Robert L. Mills (as Adm. Tarbottom) in California 

Larry Groebe supervised the production.

Written and directed by Pete Lutz

MINDSTREAM PLAYERS Present: 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

Prepare to plunge into a reimagined, atmospheric adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic tale, crafted in the brooding style with cinematic flair. This is not just a journey beneath the waves—it’s a descent into the human soul. Join Professor Aronnax, his loyal servant Conseil, and the brash harpooner Ned Land as they get swept aboard the enigmatic Nautilus, a submarine unlike any other, captained by the brilliant yet tormented Captain Nemo.

Trapped within its iron confines, they are drawn into Nemo’s obsessive quest for freedom from a corrupt world above—a quest that spirals into vengeance, tragedy, and a confrontation with the unfathomable power of the sea. From breathtaking wonders of the deep to the haunting isolation of the abyss, this adaptation explores themes of freedom, captivity, and the price of defiance.

With relentless action, vivid characters, and a chilling climax in the heart of a raging maelstrom, this is a journey that will leave you questioning: can we ever escape the weight of our own choices?

Adapted for audio and directed by Tom Konkle

The cast includes the voice talents of:

Vernon G. Wells 

Tom Konkle

David Beeler

Paul Eiding

Pete Lutz

Larry Groebe

Jack Ward

Kurtis Bedford 

Sean Konkle

PROJECT AUDION 64: Philip Marlowe, "The Three Wise Guys"

Project Audion’s Christmas gift this year is a lost episode of the classic detective drama The Adventures of Philip Marlowe with a holiday theme! Because Audion's previous Philip Marlowe restoration became its most popular episode ever, we returned to our archives to unearth a Marlowe script which hasn't been performed or heard since December 19, 1948 -- "The Three Wise Guys." The Adventures of Philip Marlowe ran for three years on network radio, with new noir-ish tales from author Raymond Chandler's detective. In this episode, it was the night before Christmas and (as Marlowe says) "a sweet girl was in trouble.  But that didn't mean a thing to the second-story man, the four-flusher in spats, and the ex-Chicago cabbie -- until, one way or the other, they all got into the spirit of the thing..." Our cast, which recorded this episode live in the classic radio drama style, included:   Andy Hartson-Bowyer in Virginia Tom Konkle in California Hunter Adkins in Maryland Gregg McAfee in California Jessica Matthews in Texas Rhiannon McAfee in California Donna Patton in Tennessee Paul Kovit in New York Music, sounds, production, direction by Larry Groebe

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS, based on the 1964 film and adapted/produced/directed by Pete Lutz

Martians are worried that their children are being influenced by Earth trends, so they visit the planet's wise man, who tells them that they should let their children be children, and the Earthling Santa Claus isn't such a bad thing, so their decision is to travel to Earth and kidnap the jolly old elf.

The original film has been described as one of the worst films ever made, and as a result has been spoofed by theatrical companies all over the U.S. Well, the Narada Radio Company is no exception -- originally planned for a live production in December of 2024, Murphy's Law held true and strong, so they recorded it in the director's living room instead, and said director edited the voice tracks on Saturday, December 21st, and mixed all of the music and SFX on Sunday, December 22nd. Now, if you don't like the finished product...the director wishes you a very Merry Christmas.

This play would not have been possible without the following voice talents:

Mario Aguilar as Kimar Cassandra Paige as Cowgirl Imelda, Winky, and Girmar Dana Gonsalves as Santa Claus, Slobo, and Martian Foreman Pete Lutz as Cowboy Dennis, Cho-Chim and Dr. Werner von Green Lisa Espinoza McGrew as News Anchor, Hargo, Martian and Elf Pam Pailes as Radio Announcer and Momar Dawn E. Robertson as Betty and Mrs. Claus Merilee Robinson as Billy and Dennis's Maw Richard Robinson as Dropo Carl Thomas as Henderson, Lomas and Torg Bobby Vela as Announcer and Rigna Tammy Weidemann as Bomar and Shim, and Nick Wommack as Kid-TV announcer and Voldar

Certain music passages by Dr. Ross Bernhardt; other music sourced from the public domain.

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 46: The Mel Blanc Show (our 2024 Christmas Special!)

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 46, the 9th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Paul's pick (which is our annual Christmas Special), an episode of The Mel Blanc Show, entitled "Mel Plays Santa Claus"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

So with this in mind, we three bring you, as our forty-sixth number (but 9th official episode of S4), this episode of The Mel Blanc Show, from 12-24-46. We'll introduce the show, play it in its entirety, then discuss it at length. Thanks for joining us, and we hope you enjoy it! 

Please show your support of the podcast by doing any of the following...

To comment on how we might improve OTR-E, or give suggestions for future discussions, please write to us at [email protected] . Put the word "Essentials" in the subject line.

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Pete's pick again for our first show of the New Year, and he'll bring us a New Year's-themed episode of The Whistler! Join us then, won't you?

Adventures of the Federated Tec, Season 2, Episode 10: Who Killed Bob Teal?

In this exciting second-season finale, our hero gets an assignment that hits too close to home: Find the person who murdered another Federated operative, young Bob Teal. The Tec, along with San Francisco Police Detective George Dean, soon starts sniffing out the trail of the most obvious suspect...but our nameless protagonist eventually begins to wonder if maybe they're after the wrong guy. 

Adapted by Pete Lutz from the story of the same name, originally published in the November, 1924 issue of True Detective magazine. Produced and directed by Pete Lutz. Mixing and mastering by 63audio, Corpus Christi, Texas.

Our cast consisted of the following Narada Radio Company players:

Darren Rockhold as THE ANNOUNCER

Pete Lutz as THE TEC

Joe Stofko as THE OLD MAN

Frank Guglielmelli as OGBURN

Ian Federgreen as BOB TEAL

John Bell as DETECTIVE DEAN

Rhiannon McAfee as MAE LANDIS

Geri Elliff as THE LANDLADY 

Jeff Moon as WHITACRE

The theme, and some incidental music, were composed and performed by Dr. Ross Bernhardt. 

FEDERATED TEC FANS! We're happy to report that a third season is in the works. Scripts have been written for 11 episodes so far, with a likely four more to go. Each season gets longer than the previous one, because Hammett's stories, for the most part, kept getting longer, better, and more detailed, as his writing skills improved. As a huge fan of Hammett for more than 40 years, I have no desire to condense these longer tales, preferring instead to split them, as you saw in S2, into multi-episode dramas -- S2 alone had three longer stories split into two-parters, for example. Well, S3 will have both two- and three-part story arcs, full of the Hammett hard-boiled style, full of intrigue, and full of the unusual characters he was famous for. You won't wanna miss it!

Here's the line-up for Season Three -- and just for simplicity's sake, we'll be shortening our series title to The Federated Tec:

1. Mike, Alec, or Rufus?

2-3. The Whosis Kid

4-5. The Scorched Face

6-8. Corkscrew

9-11. The Daiwan of Chinatown (orig. title Dead Yellow Women)

12-14. The Gutting of Couffignal

15. The Creeping Siamese

COMING SOON FROM 63AUDIO!