(CHATHAM, N.Y.) – Hudson Air Radio Theater returns to the Tent at PS21 on Friday, July 3 at 8pm and Sunday, July 5, 2015, at 2pm with a selection of radio plays by classic American writers including Mark Twain, O. Henry, Dorothy Parker, and Booth Tarkington, performed live by a cast of five actors, renowned pianist Lincoln Mayorga, and sound effects.

Actors including Lora Lee Ecobellli, Byron Nilsson, James Occhino, and Nancy Rothman will perform the voices of dozens of characters, while Andrew Joffe directs and creates the foley sound effects.

Radio Theater was popular from the 1920s to the 1950s, when radio delivered the world of fantasy, mystery, and drama. “Radio plays are a part of our history,” said Susan Davies, administrative director at PS21. “It is especially compelling and entertaining because it engages the imagination. The plays are a lot of fun to listen to but even more fun to see them played out on stage – especially on a balmy July evening or afternoon at The Tent.”

Radio drama depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to help the listener imagine the characters and story. Hudson Air’s production is both unique and compelling. “In radio, all you have to work with is music, language and sound,” explained Andrew Joffe. “Sound effects serve the same purpose in radio that props, scenery and lighting serves in theater. They lend atmosphere as well as plot-specific elements. The audience is a collaborator, in the sense that they create settings and characters in their minds.”

Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for PS21 members, and $10 for students with I.D. Tickets can be purchased at Tent at PS21, by calling 1-800-838-3006, or at the door until the show sells out.

PS21: Performance Spaces for the 21st Century is a not-for-profit organization in Chatham, dedicated to the performing arts and to serving a diverse community with concerts, programs and residencies by professional artists and ensembles, youth and children’s programming and cultural education opportunities for all ages.