The Martians Are Coming! The Martians Are Coming! Sci-Fi Double-Feature “War of the Worlds” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still” to Launch Pitt-Greensburg Theatre’s 2023-2024 Season 

 

Get ready for two out-of-this-world fall plays, “War of the Worlds” and “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” These two plays will be performed back-to-back on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Ferguson Theatre. Tickets are $5 at the door or available online here with an additional $1 fee.

Dr. Christina Allaback, assistant professor of theatre arts and the shows’ director, gave a brief synopsis of both plays.

“These are two ‘old timey’ radio plays,” Allaback says. “This is a theatrical genre that tries to re-create a radio play from the mid twentieth century, through creating a set that replicates a radio station and having actors perform with microphones and scripts as if they were voice actors during that time.”

“War of the Worlds” is Orson Welles’ historical radio play that he performed with his Mercury Theatre on the Air on Oct. 30, 1938 as a Halloween prank. People took the play–which is based on a famous science fiction novel about a Martian attack–seriously and Welles’ performance caused widespread panic. 

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” is the second play of the night, based on the film of the same name in which an alien named Klaatu arrives on Earth with a warning.

On Pitt-Greensburg’s opening night, Oct.31, there will be free candy, as well as an post-performanceHalloween party in the Smith Hall Lounge. Don’t forget to wear your costumes. There will be a costume contest at the end of the night with prizes for the winners. 

Stage manager Shianne Steck said this play is unlike anything else she has worked on.

“Since we’re capturing what these plays would’ve looked like from a radio station in the 40s-50s, a lot of the sound effects will be played live, either by actors with miscellaneous props or by our pianist Matt Klumpp,” Steck said. “I’ve never done, or even seen, a show with live sound cues this way, so watching it come together has been really neat. I’m also super excited to be doing a Halloween show!”

Allaback shares Steck’s excitement. 

“It’s fun! It’s Sci Fi! It’s Aliens! It’s spooky for Halloween! Coming to see the play will be a great way to celebrate the holiday.  Come support live theatre and your fellow students.” Allaback said.

Mark your calendars and prepare for a spooky double feature this Halloween season.