(Above: Radio Redux actor Achilles Massahos; photo by the late John Bauguess)
By Randi Bjornstad
After last year’s pandemic-related hiatus, founder Fred Crafts and his Radio Redux programs are back in full voice this season.
Fred Crafts and the Radio Redux players recreate classic radio shows from the 1940s and ’50s
Two shows already have been completed — starting with the zany, life-was-simpler-then comedy of George Burns and Gracie Allen, followed by a set of spooky-to-scary radio plays perfect for Halloween.
Now, coming up on Dec. 17-19, Crafts and his ensemble of actors have put together a selection of songs and dramatized-for-radio stories to ramp up the Christmas spirit, 1940s style.
The program includes author Damon Runyon’s Dancing Dan’s Christmas as well as the Duffy’s Tavern comedy titled The Gang Does the Christmas Carol, plus a spoof of the old Dragnet cop show, renamed Yulenet.
Radio Redux’s Holiday Special
When: 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17; 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18-19
Where: Soreng Theater, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, One Eugene Center (7th and Willamette streets), Eugene
- An hour before each showtime, film/radio historian Patrick Lucanio gives a free talk, with facts and background of the show.
- Before each performance and during intermissions, the musical group Radio Redux Rhythm-aires, featuring guitarist Michael Anderson, play hits from the 1940s.
