Cloak and Dagger Christmas episode, Saturday
READY TO GO ON AIR — At left, actors Clare McDonald and Robert Gaudio performed a Cloak and Dagger On the Air audio drama in front of a live audience. At right, Foley artists Karissa Martin, left, and Bethany Fernbaugh, created sound effects for a recent Cloak and Dagger On the Air production. -- Contributed
READY TO GO ON AIR — At left, actors Clare McDonald and Robert Gaudio performed a Cloak and Dagger On the Air audio drama in front of a live audience. At right, Foley artists Karissa Martin, left, and Bethany Fernbaugh, created sound effects for a recent Cloak and Dagger On the Air production. -- Contributed
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WEIRTON -- This Saturday, Cloak and Dagger On the Air will conclude its sixth season with "The Further Adventures of Santa Claus," based on the writings of L. Frank Baum, the creator of "The Wizard of Oz."
"Last December, we presented an adaptation of L. Frank Baum's "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," stated Pete Fernbaugh, executive producer and head writer for Cloak and Dagger On the Air.
"This year, we'll dramatize some of the material we didn't have time for last year, along with Baum's other Santa writings, including a piece that will take us to the land of Oz," he added.
"The Further Adventures of Santa Claus," will feature three short stories, including, "The Immortal Mr. Claus," which explains how Santa was granted the gift of immortality for his good deeds.
The second short story is "A Kidnapped Santa Claus," where underlings from the netherworld kidnap Santa in order to subvert Christmas.
The final story is "Santa in Oz," in which Santa is the honored guest for Princess Ozma's birthday party in the land of Oz.
"Christmas is the ideal time of year for revisiting the miracle of childhood and the earnestness of faith in the unseen and magical," Fernbaugh said. "Our show appeals to kids of all ages, whether they're 9 or 99."
"Each story is designed to intrigue and entertain, and the best part -- aside from Santa, is the introduction to our show of Dorothy and her colorful friends from Oz," he continued. "It won't be their last visit."
Troubadour R.J. Gaudio will provide a warm-up acoustic set at 3:30 p.m., performing pop, rock and folk music favorites.
The program will livestream from the Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger Company Facebook page at that time.
"The Further Adventures of Santa Claus," will begin at 4 p.m. at the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 3539 Main St. The facility is across from Ferguson Tire Pros.
"The Further Adventures of Santa Claus," stars the Wayward Saints, which includes, Rob DeSantis, Bethany Fernbaugh, David Gaudio, Robert J. Gaudio, Noah Hilton, Nancy Longo, Karissa Martin, Malachi McClendon, Nathaniel McClendon, Clare McDonald, Anacelia Parissi, Ralph Parissi, Maura Danielle Reiff, George Spelvin, Micah Underwood and Gabriella West.
Roberta Fedoush will provide the score and the Holy Foley Molies will create the sound effects.
Admission to Cloak and Dagger On the Air's "The Further Adventures of Santa Claus," is free, although donations to help cover production costs are always appreciated, Fernbaugh stated.
Light refreshments and water will be available.
Individuals with mobility impairments can enter through the building's front entrance, with members of the troupe assisting those in need.
Cloak and Dagger On the Air is a monthly theatrical series from the Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger Company that celebrates audio drama from all eras, particularly the fabled Golden Age of Radio.
By reimagining classic radio dramas and literary works, along with original stories written and produced by Fernbaugh, Cloak and Dagger On the Air strives to give audiences an immersive experience that engages the theatre of their imagination in creating a fully-realized storytelling adventure.
For information and updates on its live and recorded productions, visit the Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger Company's Facebook page.