‘War of the worlds' on radio

Newburgh — WTBQ Radio and PEP have collaborated to produce a live, staged reading of the Orson Welles drama, “The War of the Worlds.” Two live performances are planned for Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at “It’s All Good Restaurant,” 90 Broadway, Newburgh.  PEP is producing the live staged reading as if it were a live radio broadcast, with some surprise modifications. Both performances will be recorded live for broadcast on WTBQ Radio 1110 AM on Halloween Night. An open-call audition was held on Oct. 13 at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. PEP auditioned performers to read a variety of roles for the staged performance, which will take place with scripts in hand. Producer Paul Ellis says he plans some interesting adaptations to the original story line for the upcoming performance. “Since the shock of a Martian attack is no longer believable, we are going to make some things a little different for the live audience.  We are asking that people attend as their favorite alien and there will be some prizes for the best.  We will also be asking the audience to join in and participate in our version of ‘War of the Worlds.’”  WTBQ Radio will broadcast the performance on Oct. 31, the same date as the original airing.