Last weekend I took in my first performance by the Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society (MORLS) in their new home at Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater. It was a fantastic show featuring two adaptations of segments of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the famous deleted first chapter “Dracula’s Guest” and the climactic final battle between Van Helsing and his associates and Dracula titled “The Red Six.” Rounding out the evening was a delightful installment of the MORLS original series Jimmy Montague, Antiquarian-for-Hire by Joshua English Scrimshaw titled “Farewell, My Bloody.” For the uninitiated the MORLS is four performers: Eric Webster, Joshua English Scrimshaw, Tim Uren, and for this next show special guest Rhiannon Fiskradatz in for regular Shanan Custer. While acting out multiple voice roles, the four also create all of the sound effects and music cues live, creating a theater of the mind. I’ll frequently close my eyes for stretches and just listen and let my imagination create the visuals. These are great shows for families as it gives young people an idea of what life was like before TV and the internet and Grandma and Grandpa will love it too as it may bring back happy memories of simpler times.
The next show again seems full of adaptations by the cast and another episode of Jimmy Montague, Antiquarian-for-Hire, here’s what’s on the program:
“The Shadow Over Innsmouth” from Rip Roaring Adventures
A student’s tour through New England reveals the unspoken history of Innsmouth and the horrific secret that lurks around every street corner! Adapted by Tim Uren from the 1936 story by H.P. Lovecraft.“Smee” from The Weird Library
An innocent party game leads to dark revelations in this spooky adaptation of A.M. Burrage’s 1931 Christmas classic.“Runestones are a Girl’s Best Friend” from Jimmy Montague, Antiquarian for Hire
From the Ghoulish Delights website
Jimmy investigates the occult activities of Boss Karswell, a gangster with a knack for summoning demons. Joshua English Scrimshaw reimagines M.R. James’ 1911 story “Casting the Runes” as a hardboiled thriller.
One great advantage to the move to the Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater is that now you can enjoy food and beverage while taking in the program. The doors open at 6:30 with the show beginning at 7:00 PM. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.ghoulishdelights.com/. Seating is general admission. I’ll be there so if you come make sure to say hi and join us. You can also find information about their podcast at the link above and how to be become a Patreon supporter with all the honors and benefits that entails.
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