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