Play title: War of the Worlds
Author (s): Howard Koch
Publisher: Playscripts, Inc.
Genre: Drama
Primary Discipline: Technology
Source Texts: H.G. Wells War of the Worlds
The War of the Worlds was first performed and broadcast by The Mercury Theatre on the Air on Sunday October 30, 1938. It was distributed by the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) Radio Network, and produced by John Houseman and Orson Wells.
(Source Text description provided by Play Text)
Character Breakdown:
Narrator
Announcer 1
Announcer 2
Announcer 3
Reporter Carl Phillips
Professor Richard Pierson
Policeman
Mr. Wilmuth
General Montgomery Smith
Vice-President Harry McDonald
Captain Lansing
Secretary of the Interior
Officer
Gunner
Observer
Commander Voght
Operator 1
Operator 2
Operator 3
Operator 4
Operator 5
Stranger
Time Period: 1938
Synopsis of Play: Join actors Brent Spinner, Leonard Nimoy, and Gates McFadden, from Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation as they recreate this classic radio thriller. The breathless pace and convincing details make it clear why the 1938 broadcast of an “eyewitness report” of an invasion from Mars caused a nationwide panic. Originally directed by Orson Welles and performed by his Mercury Theatre of the Air, War of the Worlds is an adaptation of H. G. Wells’ novel of the same name. Adapted by Howard Koch.
(Synopsis provided by L.A. Theatre Works)
Links:
https://latw.org/title/war-worlds
https://www.playscripts.com/play/2667#readmore
https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/plays/war-of-the-worlds-iid-142963
Entered by: Anna Galanides
Photo/Visual Research with citations
Main page image provided by L.A. Theatre Works