ILWACO – “We know now that in the early years of the 20th century, this world was being watched closely by intelligence greater than man’s – and yet as mortal as its own.” So read Orson Welles as he introduced the Mercury Theatre On the Air’s production of H.G. Welles classic sci-fi novel,”The War of the Worlds” to the audience listening in to the CBS radio network on Oct. 30, 1938. The world, much like it is now, was a tense one as the uncertainty of war loomed in Europe. The idea of an actual invasion – human or not – was probably not too far from the realm of reality. This made for an audience ripe for the picking, in one of the most notable moments in radio history.

Fifty years later, the Ilwaco High School Drama Club will try to recapture some of the magic sent out over the airwaves that night, in their adaptation and production of the radioplay, presented for three nights only – Wednesday, March 5; Thursday, March 6, and Friday, March 7. And, as a bonus treat, in an arrangement with KMUN 91.9 FM, the play will be broadcast over air on March 30, at 7 p.m.

In approaching the material, co-directors Kelly Jacobsen and Bob Walters had to start from scratch. Because the original production was a radioplay it was up to them to reimagine it as a stage drama. The result resembles the original and adds some visuals that help to move the story along. The play, which is being performed in the choir room at the high school, is essentially performed before a black canvas, with most costuming in monochromatic colors that lend themselves to resembling an old black and white movie or television program. Walters’ use of shifting stage lights and a bevy of sound effects adds to the experience.

But, without fancy costumes or sets, it is up to the actors to transport you to a ballroom in downtown New York, a field in the countryside, a battle between man and alien.

“It is like nothing we have done before in our five years as Ilwaco Drama Club directors,” said Jacobsen of the production. “It is a very challenging play that requires skilled actors and actresses. It doesn’t rely on madcap humor or cute characters. It is meant to be read on radio and turning it into a stage play has required a lot of creativity and imagination from both cast and crew. It’s a very dry piece and it takes a great deal of skill to make it come alive on stage.”

Just as in the original radio production, the first half of the 60-minute broadcast is presented as a series of news bulletins, suggesting that after strange explosions were registered on Mars, an alien attack ensues in a farm community in New Jersey. As the action plays out, we see this fight, including soldiers trying to shoot down the Martian tripods.

The cast is made up of 14 students in grades seven through 12. Many of the parts are small so students often appear in more than one role. 

“The students have had to learn the importance of using their voice as a tool for conveying feelings and emotions that help the audience get lost in the moment,” said Jacobsen. 

The play is centered around the announcers, played by Amanda Bell and Elliot Marcus, who set the scenes for each act. They begin by taking the audience to the observatory of Dr. Pierson, noted astronomer, played by Josie Wright. Dr. Pierson is interviewed by reporter Carla Phillips, played by Raven Rogers. Here Dr. Pierson assures us that the strange metal object that has landed on the Wilmuth Farm and all the strange activity on Mars are merely a coincidence. Unfortunately, she is sadly mistaken. 

The audio for the radioplay version that will be presented on KMUN – and on www.chinookobserver.com – was produced by Chris Jacobsen. Tickets for the show are available at the door on the night of preformance. All three shows will start at 7 p.m.