Radio Players bring classic superheroes to the stage

Did you know that Superman starred in his own radio series for over 11 years?

September is the month of superheroes at Improv Playhouse in Libertyville. The Improv Playhouse Radio Players perform the classic “on-air” scripts, “Adventures of Superman!” and “The Green Hornet,” for live audiences on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Improv Playhouse Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville.

“Many of the heroes we know and love began as programs on the radio. Among the notable, both famous and obscure, were The Shadow, the Green Hornet, Captain Midnight, Speed Gibson, and the Lone Ranger. As radio serials became more popular, they began to mine other media with shows featuring Tarzan, Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers and Sherlock Holmes. Soon comic books got into the act, and audiences saw and heard adventures of Hop Harrigan, Mandrake the Magician, the Blue Beetle, the Green Lama, and the biggest of them all — Superman,” says David Brian Stuart, Improv Playhouse executive producer.

Staged as old-time radio dramas, the Improv Playhouse Radio Players have produced classics including “The Maltese Falcon,” “War of the Worlds” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” A special dinner package has been arranged with local restaurants.

Dreamland Comics, 105 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville, will be donating several superhero graphic novels to be raffled at the performances.

Improv Playhouse executive producer David Brian Stuart is joined by fellow SAG-AFTRA actors Michael Scott Blackman (Deerfield) and George Elliott (Hainesville), along with actors from the surrounding region. Tech and sound design is by Adam Mizner.

Performance times are 7:30 and 9 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $15 adults; $10 seniors, students (w/ID) and military. At the door tickets are $17.50 adults: $12.50 seniors, students and military. Visit www.improvplayhouse.com, Ÿ Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.">info@improvplayhouse.com