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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
More than 60 Minutes of Old-Timey Radio Fun plus alcohol!
This past Thursday LAist had the pleasure of wandering a sort of semi-timewarp at the M Bar. Stepping from 2005 into the 1940s, we watched the wonder that is "The Thrilling Adventure and Supernatural Suspense Hour".
Stuck in a strip mall, although surprisingly anachronistic on the inside, the M Bar is a perfect venue for this show. Several local actors and comedians take part on the first Thursday of every month in this form of entertainment that just doesn't exist anymore. This scripted show is read by the actors on a stark stage filled with microphone stands, and 40s era radio sound effects are piped in, along with period music.
Although they have only performed 4 times so far, the timing is excellent, and several of the running shows within the show are very well-written, including "Sparks Nevada - Marhsall on Mars", and "Mr. and Mrs. Doyle", a riff on "The Thin Man" and the husband and wife mystery solving sleuth teams of the day. While some of the inbetween banter is a tad sketchy, these two bits really stand out and are well worth catching. You can have a martini, recline in the dark, close your eyes and pretend you're living in 1947. If you own a fedora, or some snazzy vintage threads, wear 'em, and you'll blend right in to the crushed velvet seats.
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The show is written by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, and produced by Jono Golding and Yosi Sergant. Actors include Paul F. Tompkins, Dave (Gruber) Allen (of Freaks and Geeks fame), Paget Brewster, and Mark Gagliardi (of "Brandon, I am your father" Burger King commercial fame). Reserve seats now for the Fifth Show, coming up on July 7th.
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