The Empire Strikes Back: A Staged Radio Play Parody

Now that you’ve seen the latest Star Wars movie, come and enjoy Raconteur Radio’s parody of “The Empire Strikes Back,” an epic space opera, at Bernardsville Public Library on Saturday, January 30 at 2:00 pm. Be sure to be on time to get free ticket for a chance to win some Star Wars memorabilia. Come in costume if you like! There will be theatrical lighting, vintage eighties commercials, and Golden Age radio equipment, Fog FX, and over 200 sound effects.

Featuring Jason Jackson, Jeff Maschi, Danielle Illario, Michael Jarmus, and Alex Dawson, the radio play will follow the battle between the cruel Galactic Empire and the ragtag Rebel Resistance as it rages ever on. As Darth Vader chases the Alliance across the galaxy, Luke Skywalker studies the Force, jogging the bogs of Dagobah with a backpack full of backward phrasing and sphinxlike wisdom (otherwise known as Yoda). But when the villainous Vader captures Han and Leia, Luke must decide whether to complete his training and become a full Jedi Knight or to boldly confront Vader and save his friends. Along the way, jazz vocalist Danielle Illario will sing Max Rebo’s “Lapti Nek” (in Huttese)!

Raconteur Radio stages theatrical presentations of vintage radio plays, classic works of literature, and pop culture parodies for live audiences throughout the Tri-State area. It has been called “family friendly guerrilla theater” by The New York Times, one of the “seven best things to do in New Jersey” by the Star Ledger, and “Outstanding!” by Cinema Retro Magazine. The group has an informal residency at The Players Club, a century old private club founded by Edwin Booth and Mark Twain (whose members included Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Frank Sinatra, and Lauren Bacall, among many others.

This program is for adults and children aged 8 and up. There is no charge to attend, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.