Reinventing Radio: An Evening With Ira Glass Live at The Arcada

Ira Glass, host of the critically acclaimed radio program, "This American Life," will present, "Reinventing Radio: An Evening with Ira Glass," at the Historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles at 8 p.m.,  Saturday, April 14.   In his 75-minute show, Glass, the creator and producer of the much-celebrated "This American Life," shares insight about his ground-breaking program and the unique methodology behind its design. His discussion focuses on the hunt for the compelling story, and how he and his staff strive to push broadcast journalism beyond standard boundaries. Glass incorporates elements from the radio show, combining his narration with pre-taped quotes and music to recreate the sound of "This American Life" for the live audience.     Ron Onesti, owner of the Arcada Theatre, said, "Ira is a true master storyteller. He has that rare ability to engage the audience through his entertaining and thought-provoking discussion - he challenges his listeners to think differently."   "This American Life" premiered on Chicago's public radio station WBEZ in 1995, and is now heard on more than 500 public radio stations each week by over 1.7 million listeners. Most weeks, the podcast of the program is the most popular in America. The show also airs each week on the CBC in Canada and on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's radio network. Under Glass's editorial direction, "This American Life" has won the highest honors for broadcasting and journalistic excellence, including several Peabody and DuPont-Columbia awards. The American Journalism Review declared that the show is "at the vanguard of a journalistic revolution."   "As a radio host in Chicago, I remember when "This American Life" first aired on WBEZ," Onesti recalled. "We are honored to be bringing him back to Chicago, "This American Life's" home city, and giving him an opportunity to connect with his fans and listeners all across Chicago and the suburbs."   Tickets start at $39 and are on sale at www.oshows.com or through the Arcada box office at 630-962-7000. The Historic Arcada Theatre is located at 105 East Main Street in downtown St. Charles, IL. For more information about the Arcada's 2012 calendar, please visit www.oshows.com.