Video Promo by Magic Spoon Productions: A WAR OF THE WORLDS by Jarrett King, Penfold Theatre at Ground Floor Theatre

(video promo by José Lozano, Magic Spoon Productions)

Both comic and gripping, A War of the Worlds re-imagines Orson Welles and his radio troupe, The Mercury Theatre, as a group of Black artists fighting to hold their place at the CBS radio studio. In the hope of securing a critical corporate sponsorship, Welles orchestrates a last-ditch ratings stunt that causes national panic and secures their undeniable – if infamous – place in media history.

The cast includes Marc Pouhé as Welles, John Christopher as Canada, Kenah Benefield as Wardell, Yunina Barbour Payne as Edna, Dane Parker as Ollie, Judd Farris as John, Zac Carr as Wrigley, and Sarah Joy Byington as Lois.

Written by Jarrett King and directed by Marcus McQuirter, the production team also includes Costume Design by Desiree Humphries, Sound Design by Buzz Moran, Set Design and Technical Direction by Tomas Salas, Properties Design by Joe Kelley, and Lighting Design by Amy Lewis, with Maddy Lamb as Stage Manager and Carl Gonzales as Production Manager.

Poster art by Corinna Browning of Ghost Next Door Designs

Video Description: A trailer for a production of A War of the Worlds in Austin, TX. Made up of clips from the performance set to intense music. With a VO by Orson Welles. The cast all wear 1930s costumes.

VO transcript: We know now that in the early years of the 20th century, this world was being watched closely by intelligences greater than man’s, yet as mortal as his own. We know now that as human beings busied themselves about their various concerns, they were scrutinized and studied. Perhaps almost as narrowly as a man with a microscope might scrutinize the transient creatures that swarm and multiply on a drop of water. With infinite complacence people went to-and-fro on the earth about their little affairs, serene in the assurance of their dominion over this small spinning fragment of solar driftwood, which by chance or design man has inherited out of the dark mystery of time and space.

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A War of the Worlds
by Jarrett King
Penfold Theatre Company

June 2 - 18, 2022

Price: $16-$31
Run time: 2 hours
For ages: High school+

Need help? Email us or dial (512) 850-4849.

Special event on Saturday, June 4: First Saturday Soiree. Stay after the show to celebrate opening weekend with the cast and creative team! Food and drinks provided. Be sure to reserve your place when you purchase your ticket.

Ticketing

Single tickets for A War of the Worlds are on sale now and start at $16. Discounts available for student and senior tickets.

Tickets online at penfoldtheatre.org/event/a-war-of-the-worlds/2022-06-18/.

 

The needs of the community are changing, and Penfold will remain flexible and responsive. Penfold's COVID procedures are closely linked to city guidelines and scientifically backed practices. Safety protocols for this production will be kept up to date and made available at www.penfoldtheatre.org. For answers to specific questions, reach out to info@penfoldtheatre.org