Return of the Radio

By Sage Merritt

Published: April 16, 2008

Wayne Theater Alliance Clair Myers feels confident that this Friday’s River City Radio Hour will thrill audiences — and cement what may become a beloved Waynesboro tradition.
“I’m really anticipating that we’re going to continue the development of this particular program and move it to the Wayne when it opens,” Myers said. “There are people who come back each month because they want to find out what happens next. There’s a kind of excitement that happens after the shows. People stay and talk to the performers.”
Friday’s performances, taking place at at 6:30 and 8 p.m. the at the Blue Ridge Christian Fellowship Café and Music Hall at 529 West Main, will be highlighted by the final chapter of Elizabeth Massie’s serial drama “The Mystery of the Meandering Music Box.” The story, performed in installments each month by the River City Players — featuring area actors Marsha Howard, Bob Wright, Bob and Savannah Lunger, Barbara Lawson and Clair Myers — has taken audiences on a journey through time with four characters who are transported from present-day Waynesboro to various points in River City past. Police Chief Doug Davis will narrate the Friday’s chapter of the tale.
The serial format, a storytelling tradition hailing back to old-time radio dramas, has been a hit with today’s area audiences, Myers said.
“When I was really young, the days of radio, radio drama was really the media of choice, and it’s good to see that it still has the power to attract people,” Myers said. “I have already lined up the next four writers to do more serials. I don’t know if we’re going to start the next one right away in May or wait until September.”
In the months since its inception, the River City Radio Hour has developed a variety-show format featuring comedy and music in addition to serial drama. It’s a great combination, Myers said, one that is unique and has the ability to attract and retain audiences searching for family entertainment in Waynesboro.
“We’ve got five or six elements during one hour,” Myers said. “It’s that variety that brings the sort of energy that people really like.”
In addition to the final installment of Massie’s story, this Friday’s event will feature music by Richard Adams and the Boogie Kings, with guest appearances by “Elvis” and the Singing Spilman Sisters, Barbara Lawson and Elizabeth Massie. Marsha Howard will also return with her monthly comedy routine.
“As we move into the next life of Radio Hour, there will be characters that return often,” Myers said. “I think Marsha Howard has the potential to be a reoccurring character, a standard-bearer for River City Radio Hour.”
The event is a co-production the Waynesboro Cultural Commission, Waynesboro Downtown Development Inc. and the Wayne Theatre Alliance. For more information on River City Radio Hour, call (540) 943-9999 or e-mail .
“It’s great fun, a great way to spend an hour downtown,” Myers said. “It really is family-friendly. There’s no reason why anyone couldn’t come and enjoy it.”