The Regent Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts, will commemorate the 75th anniversary of “The War of the Worlds” on October 31 with a live theater event recreating Orson Welles famous radio play.
The event will raise funds for “The Orson Welles Complex,” a new documentary produced and directed by Garen Daly about the legendary Cambridge art house.
“What more fitting tribute than to recreate ‘War of the Worlds,’ the broadcast that launched Orson Welles’ career in the movies, as we embark on preserving the memory of the Orson Welles Cinema in a documentary film,” said Daly. “We thought it would be a lot of fun and a great way to commemorate the anniversary on Halloween night.”
Welles and his Mercury Theatre on the Air panicked listeners on Ocotber 30, 1938 with their adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel about a Martian invasion.
As one of the Orson Welles Cinema’s managers during its heyday, Daly is chronicling the unique story of the Welles with cinematographer Austin de Besche, noted for his work with John Sayles, among others.
This theater recreation will use classic Foley audio techniques (where sound effects are produced mechanically where possible) and will feature a cast of local media celebrities, including Christopher Lydon from WGBH; cultural reporter Joyce Kulhawik; RadioBDC on-air personality Henry Santoro; Cha-Chi LoPrette from 100.7 WZLX, and others to be announced.
The production will be directed by Nerissa Williams with Foley direction by Austen Wright and Hal Wagner.
“The War of the Worlds” live theater event will take place Thursday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Regent Theatre at 7 Medford St/ in Arlington.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Purchase at the Regent Theatre box office or online at www.BostonSci-Fi.com/WaroftheWorlds.
The theater may also be reached at (781) 646-4849.
Daly’s documentary, “The Orson Welles Complex,” is scheduled to release in 2015. Follow news and updates at www.facebook.com/OrsonWellesCinema.
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