A 1940s Christmas Carol (A Radio Play)
by Page Petrucka

It’s December 1940 and KFLG AM radio in Kansas City, Kansas is about to perform the classic tale A Christmas Carol for listening audiences. But! Ten minutes before show time, the cast learns that they will have to go on without their sound engineer and all the sound equipment. Scrambling to find anything that will make a sound and attempting to make those sounds on the fly, the cast endeavors to forge ahead, perform the show, and make the best of a crazy situation. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this hilarious, fast-paced comedy.
- Cast Size: 2M 5W
- Running Time: 60+ minutes
- Royalty Rate: $75 per performance
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We performed this gem at our University in the late Fall of 2023. It was an absolute success! The audience loved it, and we had a laugh-a-minute! This production is easy to stage and the actors will feel challenged to play so many different (voiced) characters during the play-within-a-play radio drama portion of the piece. Highly recommend!
“A 1940’s Christmas Carol” is a delightful comedy that takes Charles Dickens’ classic tale and gives it a unique spin, adding layers of humor and charm to the well-known narrative. The standout feature of this production is the unexpected twist, creating an evening of laughter and entertainment for the audience. What follows is a side-splitting improvisation exercise for any level of actor when their characters must take it upon themselves to produce the necessary sound effects using random objects found in the studio.
The brilliance of “A 1940’s Christmas Carol” lies not only in its humor but also in its ability to seamlessly blend the traditional story with modern comedic elements. The cast’s opportunities to use their voice acting skills allow them to bring Dickens’ characters to life, infusing them with a fresh and comical energy. The play manages to pay homage to the original while giving it a contemporary twist, making it accessible and entertaining for audiences of all ages. The plethora of combinations of nostalgic aesthetics and modern comedic sensibilities helps to create a visually appealing and immersive atmosphere.
In conclusion, “A 1940’s Christmas Carol” is a must-see for anyone looking to add a dose of laughter to their holiday season. The unexpected turn of events adds a layer of spontaneity and excitement, making each performance a unique and memorable experience. This play successfully captures the magic of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale while offering a fresh and entertaining perspective that is sure to leave audiences in stitches.

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