Radio theater to present ‘Space Cadet'

Sugar Loaf — Air Pirates Radio Theater, a mixture of live contemporary interactive theater and radio drama, will premier its next production, “Space Cadet: Is This the Beginning,” at the Lycian Centre Pavilion, on Saturday, July 14, at 8 p.m. The play, performed and recorded in front of a live audience, is a comic tribute to the radio mysteries of the 30s and 40s. Written in the style of the old-time genre, “Space Cadet” is a fanciful look at the science fiction stories of another era. It is a tribute to Flash Gordon, Space Rangers and even Star Wars. Centering on Tica Maroo and her loyal crew, the plot depicts their first assignment into the outer reaches of uncharted space. Sound effects are supplied by the audience. At the beginning of each performance they are led through a short workshop and given the tools to create the computer sounds, door openings and assorted footsteps necessary to drive the plot. Cued by cards, they join in the play. “It’s a combination of experimental theatre and improvisational comedy,” said Paul Ellis, producer and director. “My career has always been about involving audiences in the action. I never really believed in the invisible fourth wall.” The Air Pirates are performing through October and future plays include: a reprise of “Space Cadet” on Saturday, July 14; “Herb Marks Freelance: It Ain’t Over till the Fat Lady Swings,” on Saturday, August 11; “Space Cadet: Revenge of the Space Queens,” on Saturday, September 8; and “The War of the Worlds?” on Friday, October 26. The live performances are recorded for future broadcasts on WTBQ 1110 A.M. and at www.WTBQ.com. The cast includes Caitlin O’Heaney, Brian Nieves, Jennifer Circosta, Holly Gorman, Melvyn Stiriss, Kate Andrews and Tristan Bissell. The Air Pirates Radio Theater is funded in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralized Program administered by Arts in Orange, Orange Arts/Orange County Tourism and the Orange Count Legislature. This program is also sponsored by Eclectic Tech www.liberateyourwebsite.net, Riehle Opticians of Warwick, NY, Wienert T-Shirts of Middletown, NY, The Business Exchange Network, Driving for Success, Style Council for Men and Women in Warwick NY, 1st Advisors Mortgage Chester, NY, Susan Quade Consultants, and the Washingtonville Arts Society All four plays will be performed at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be ordered by calling 469-7563 and leaving your information.