Gift Theater to perform “War of the Worlds” at Jeff Park fieldhouse
The Gift Theater will recreate the “Mercury Theater On The Air” broadcast of H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, at the Jefferson Park fieldhouse, 4822 N. Long Ave.
The Gift’s first performance will occur on the 75th anniversary of the hour-long 1938 broadcast, which created panic among some residents who did not realize that they were listening to a depiction of Martians invading Earth. The Gift’s Oct. 30 performance will be streamed live on its Web site, www.thegifttheatre.org.
With the help of the Northwest Chicago Historical Society researcher Frank Suerth, the story has been rewritten so that 1938 Chicago is the backdrop for the invasion, including the use of the Esdohr House at 4820 N. Long Ave. The historical society will be displaying pictures of some of the Chicago landmarks which will be featured in the performance.
The show also will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 7 and 8, and at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West.
Admission to the performances is free, but reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 773-283-7071.
