Alexandria Radio Theatre Troupe Revives Golden Age of Audio Drama

Before the ubiquity of television, radio offered a vibrant landscape of entertainment, from gripping dramas to side-splitting comedies. In Alexandria, Minnesota, a dedicated troupe is working to revive that golden age of audio storytelling, bringing a unique brand of original radio theatre to audiences in the region.

The Lakes Area Radio Theatre, as it’s known, recently performed its original production, “Ray and Iver and the Case of the Maligned Mailman,” at the Encore Center for Vibrant Aging. The play, a comedic mystery set in 1950s Minnesota, centers around a lost love letter and the misadventures of a local mail carrier. “There are five voice actors that portray a number of individuals in a community somewhere in Minnesota in the 1950s, and (the shows are) just what happens to them throughout the day,” explains Charles Grussing, a member of the troupe.

Grussing is joined by Allen Alvig, Jim Thoreen, Phil Goellner, and Terri Mohror, a mix of local talent and performers from surrounding towns. “We have three out-of-towners and two local buffoons,” Grussing jokes, highlighting the collaborative and lighthearted spirit of the group. Grussing himself is the author of “Ray and Iver and the Case of the Maligned Mailman,” and has penned approximately 20 half-hour shows and five hour-long productions for the troupe.

His writing process, he says, is rooted in a playful approach to titles. “I think of an alliterative, light title. The first one I wrote was called ‘Ray and Iver and the Case of the Potent Punch,’ and after that I just kind of filled in the blanks,” he explains. Over time, the recurring characters of Ray and Iver have become central figures, appearing in multiple productions and building a continuing narrative for audiences.

While the troupe is passionate about their work, finding consistent audiences presents a challenge. “If the senior citizens group would want us, we’ll probably come back and do it again, or do another show,” Grussing notes, indicating a willingness to perform wherever they are welcomed. The group’s performances offer a distinct alternative to traditional stage productions, television, or film.

“It’s another type of performance,” Grussing says. “The standard response is it’s the theater of the mind. But for us it’s more than antics.” The emphasis on audio allows listeners to actively participate in the storytelling process, creating the visuals and atmosphere within their own imaginations.

The origins of the Lakes Area Radio Theatre are rooted in a desire to recapture the magic of classic radio. Grussing’s involvement began somewhat serendipitously. A former police officer who moved to the Alexandria area in 2011, he was approached by Ann Hermes, who worked with Mike Roers at the Lakes Area Radio Theatre. Hermes believed Grussing and a colleague, Jim Thoreen, possessed a talent for vocal characterization and could contribute to audition tapes for potential radio projects.

Initially, the troupe relied on existing scripts from the 1940s and 1950s. However, Grussing soon felt inspired to create original content. “I thought I could write something not as funny, but something comparable, so that’s how it kind of morphed into something else,” he says. This shift towards original productions allowed the troupe to develop its own unique voice and style.

The Lakes Area Radio Theatre isn’t operating in a vacuum. Organizations like SPERDVAC (The Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety & Comedy) are actively working to preserve classic radio programs and encourage the creation of new audio theatre. SPERDVAC offers access to extensive libraries of radio series, supports recreations of classic shows, and provides resources for those involved in audio production. The organization’s commitment to the medium underscores the enduring appeal and artistic value of radio drama.

The Lakes Area Radio Theatre currently performs and records shows on the second Friday of each month at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:00 pm. Admission is $8, and tickets are available at the door. The performances are also broadcast on a network of radio stations and on the theatre’s website, extending their reach beyond the live audience. The theatre is now located at 4133 Iowa Street in Alexandria, Minnesota, and welcomes new members to the troupe, including voice actors, musicians, sound effects technicians, directors, and playwrights.

The revival of radio theatre in Alexandria, and elsewhere, speaks to a broader cultural interest in nostalgia and the power of storytelling. In a world saturated with visual media, the Lakes Area Radio Theatre offers a refreshing alternative – a chance to engage the imagination and experience the intimacy and immediacy of audio drama. It’s a reminder that even in the digital age, the “theatre of the mind” continues to captivate and entertain.