If you know much about me, you know I love old time radio dramas (& the new stuff, like Black Jack Justice). Anyway, every year there’s a great convention that goes on in NJ. Someday, when I have the time & money to trek across the country, I’m going to go. Alas, this year I’ll just pass along some info about it and wish I were there.
The 35th Annual Friends of Old Time Radio Convention (www.fotr.net) will take place October 21-24 2010 at the Ramada Plaza hotel in Newark, NJ. the four day event features live recreations of classic old time radio programs with all-star casts as well as memorabilia, music, panel discussions, autographs and historical presentations. The convention is a great way to meet and show appreciation for the veterans who made old time radio great as well as get to know some of the younger actors who are working to keep the tradition alive.
The invited guest list looks great so far. I know everyone will enjoy seeing the great Simon Jones ("Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy") again. Shirley Mitchell (Lelia Ransom on Gildersleeve), New York area television host Chuck McCann, WXYZ veteran Elaine Hyman ("The Lone Ranger"), ABC announcer Bill Owen and Gloria McMillan (Harriet Conklin on Our Miss Brooks) are also back for more. Local New York talk show legend Joe “Nostalgia King” Franklin will recreate his show live on stage, bringing his own surprises guests along. Another great returning guest is Ivan Curry, star of “Bobby Benson and the B-Bar B Riders” on old time radio. The guest list changes frequently, so keep checking the website for updates.
Thursday – Sunday programs include an afternoon program that consists of a recreation, panel discussions and dealer rooms. The evening program features a buffet dinner in which there is at least one special guest at each table and all-star recreations. It’s a great way to socialize with the stars as well as see them perform. On Sunday, there is a buffet breakfast and panel with remaining guests.
Shows scheduled for recreation this year include The Great Gildersleeve, The Adventures of Sam Spade, The First Nighter, Fibber McGee & Molly, Columbia Workshop, Screen Guild Theater and The Adventures of Superman.
Full information on the convention including room rates (historically low right now at $75/AAA) and registration information for the convention itself is available at www.fotr.net.
Please contact Sean Dougherty, publicity coordinator, at 201-739-2541 or SeanDD“AT”optonline.net or @doughertysean on Twitter, or The Friends of Old Time Radio Convention on Facebook for more information.