By Jana Wiersema, Features Editor
Imagine a live audience for a radio show in the 1940s. Imagine a studio with microphones, voice actors in plain dress and a person using instruments to make sound effects. Now, move the sound effects to behind the scenes. Turn the studio into a stage, complete with props and scenery. Put the actors in costumes and give them stage directions.
If you can imagine all of that, you’ve got a decent picture of a performance by the Jessamine County Old-Time Radio Troupe, also known as the KCAL Old-Time Radio Show.
“In the very beginning, basically all we did was stand there and read,” said Denise Cline, co-producer and co-star with Norman Cline and Doug Fain. “Then we started incorporating costumes. … So once we got those in, it just kind of helped you get into your character more. … We try to add our spin to it by adding a little bit of acting to it, a little bit of props, you know, that kind of thing. We just really try to do everything we can to make it more exciting.”
The radio troupe, now in its fifth year, used to be a part of the Creative Arts League (CAL) of Jessamine County. According to an article in the Jessamine Journal, the arts league closed in July due to a “lack of sustained funding and the inability to hire staff.” However, the radio troupe decided to remain as a separate, volunteer organization and buy the league’s old location to continue performing.
Denise Cline joked that the decision came down to three things: “bein’ hams and not wanting to quit and wanting to continue to help our town as much as we can.”
“We loved it too much to want to quit,” she said. “When we did it with CAL, … what money we got we just turned directly back over to them, and they put back into the arts. Well now, since we’re not under them anymore, we are able to help different people every time.” Denise Cline added that about $650 from the group’s September performances of “Arsenic and Old Lace” was donated to the fire department to help feed people during Thanksgiving.
She also noted that the community has been a big help in keeping the radio show afloat.
“Now that [CAL has] closed, we are basically on our own,” she said. “We are trying really hard to continue. We don’t know how long we’ll be able to make it, but so far, the community support has really been helpful. The tourism council has given us some money toward our rent.” She added that the mayor’s office and Delta Gas have both waived deposits and that there have been donations from community.
Denise Cline said that the group should be good through “a little bit of next year” financially speaking but still needs more support — and added that even a small donation of toilet paper or paper towels can be helpful.
According to Denise Cline, the troupe’s next production will be “Old-Time Christmas.” The show will feature holiday episodes of “Gunsmoke” and “The Great Gildersleeve,” Christmas music and refreshments. There are two evening shows on Dec. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and two matinees on Dec. 8 and 9 at 2:30 p.m. While almost all tickets have already been reserved, there is a waiting list in case more become available. She noted that if there is a significantly large demand for tickets, the troupe might consider adding another performance.
To reserve tickets or make donations, you can call Denise Cline at 859-885-5363. To learn more about the troupe, you can visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1550862421814070/?ref=br_rs. Shows are performed at the KCAL Hometown Theatre at 109 South Main Street in Nicholasville.
