READY FOR SOME SCI-FI? — Nathaniel McClendon and Kami Martin return to the “Cloak and Dagger On the Air” microphones this weekend as “Children of the Zero Hour,” a theatrical series’ annual tribute to science-fiction of the ‘50s. -- Contributed

WEIRTON — The eighth season of “Cloak and Dagger On the Air” continues at 4 p.m. Saturday, when the show pays homage to 1950’s science fiction with “Children of the Zero Hour.”

Admission to the show is free, although donations are appreciated. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m., with Troubadour R.J. Gaudio performing a set of classic pop, folk and rock favorites. Light refreshments will be available. Performed in the style of live radio drama, “Children of the Zero Hour” will be livestreamed through the Ohio Valley Cloak and Dagger Co.’s Facebook page.

“For the last several seasons, we’ve reserved one episode as a celebration of classic science-fiction stories — the kind of stories that used to appear in such magazines as ‘Galaxy Science Fiction’ and ‘Astounding Science Fiction,'” stated Pete Fernbaugh, artistic director and head writer. “This time around, we’ve chosen three tales that showcase our younger actors and highlight children being caught at a zero-hour inflection point.”

This month’s stories will be “Time and Time Again,” by H. Beam Piper, adapted for radio by Ernest Kinoy, in which a military captain is fatally wounded on the battlefield, only to awaken 30 years in the past on his 13th birthday. “Perigi’s Wonderful Dolls,” by George Lefferts will be the second story, in which a kind dollmaker bestows his prized creation, Toto, on a little girl named Cindy. But the arrival of the doll in her home creates fighting and unhappiness. The third story will be “Zero Hour,” by Ray Bradbury, adapted for radio by Kinoy, in which youngsters Mink and Andy are obsessed with a seemingly imaginary game called Invasion, much to the growing distress of Mink’s mom, Mary.

“These stories were originally dramatized on the groundbreaking science-fiction radio series, ‘Dimension X’ and ‘X Minus One,'” Fernbaugh said. “Both series are beloved to this day and widely admired among audio drama professionals for their quality and production values. We aspire to emulate these series this weekend, as we re-imagine these classic scripts, all of which bring the fears of their time — and to a degree, our time — to the doorstep of suburban America.”

Starring in the show will be the acting troupe from “Cloak and Dagger On the Air,” the Wayward Saints, featuring Fernbaugh, Sheila Cavalette, Bethany Fernbaugh, Kami Martin, Karissa Martin, Malachi McClendon, Nathaniel McClendon, John Reilly and Dave Zanieski. Sound effects for the production will be performed by the Holy Foley Molies. An original score will be performed live by musician and educator Lakin Weaver. The show will air at the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 243 Three Springs Drive, Suite 17, in Weirton.

“Three Springs Drive is filled with many dining and shopping opportunities,” Fernbaugh stated. “We hope our show can bring some traffic their way.”

The monthly theatrical series celebrates audio drama from all eras, particularly the fabled Golden Age of Radio. By re-imagining classic radio dramas and literary works, along with premiering original stories written and produced by independent writer and actor Fernbaugh, “Cloak and Dagger On the Air” strives to give audiences an immersive experience that engages the theater of their imagination in creating a fully realized storytelling adventure.