September 30-November 19, 2006 - World Premiere
Ray Bradbury's Autum People
Written by Ray Bradbury, directed by Alan Neal Hubbs.
Presented by Ray Bradbury’s Pandemonium Theatre Company
America’s beloved teller of tales, Ray Bradbury, is back with more plays adapted from his stories. “Ray Bradbury’s Autumn People” is comprised of two narratives. One, “Touched With Fire” is a World Premiere. The other, “Pillar of Fire,” is a revival of a Bradbury stage classic.
“Touched With Fire,” concerns itself with a town in the grip of a record-breaking heat wave. Two retired insurance salesmen, Shaw and Foxe, fill their time by gathering evidence in support of their thesis: That when the temperature hits 92 degrees Fahrenheit, human beings undergo physiological and mental changes, heading toward states of violence and uncontrollability. These guys are literally looking for trouble. After they start trailing a certain Mrs. Shrike, they’re going to find it.
“Pillar of Fire” is more specific to Halloween, Ray’s favorite time of the year. This tale is dark and chilling, like the holiday it celebrates. In the year 2274, there’s a fellow named Lantry who’s convinced that he’s one of the Undead. After all, he smells of dust and worms. The world of 2274 is quiet and orderly. There’s no crime, and everyone is oh, so safe. The only books remaining in the library are non-fiction. Others were burned long ago. Halloween no longer exists.
Lantry wants to shake things up a bit. As one of the Undead, he no longer considers himself constrained by the rules of the living. But what if he’s wrong? What if he’s simply alive at the age of 301? No matter. There’s a technocrat named McClure who’s ready to settle the question for Lantry….once and for all.
REVIEWS
"Author Ray Bradbury has seldom seemed more prescient than at present. His incisive voice fuels this capable Pandemonium Theatre Company program, which pairs the vintage "Pillar of Fire" with "Touched With Fire," a new work. Reversed order might better serve intent, but devotees should flock." –David C. Nichols LA Times
RECOMMENDED….Devotees should flock.” –L.A. Times
STARRING (in alphabetical order):
- Georgan George
- Jay Gerber
- Grady Hutt
- Dale Manolakas
- David Mauer
- Michael Morrison
- Tanya Mounsey
- Navid Noorvash
- Michael Pritchard
- Simon Russell
- Lynndi Scott
- Patrick Skelton
- Philip Sokoloff
- Steven Robert Wollenberg
Picture: Dale Maolakas, Jay Gerber & Michael Morrison. p P.D.J. Kent
