This Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, Cloak & 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,” Pete Fernbaugh, executive producer and head writer for Cloak & Dagger On the Air, said. “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.”
The Further Adventures of Santa Claus will feature three short stories: “The Immortal Mr. Claus,” which explains how Santa was granted the gift of immortality for his good deeds; “A Kidnapped Santa Claus,” where underlings from the netherworld kidnap Santa in order to subvert Christmas; and “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 nine 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. It won’t be their last visit.”
Beginning at 3:30 p.m. with R.J. Gaudio, Troubadour, providing a warm-up acoustic set, Cloak & Dagger On the Air: The Further Adventures of Santa Claus will start at 4 p.m. at Top of West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 3539 Main Street in Weirton (across from Ferguson Tire Pros).
Cloak & Dagger On the Air: The Further Adventures of Santa Claus stars The Wayward Saints: 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, with Roberta Fedoush providing the score and The Holy Foley Molies creating the sound effects.
Admission to Cloak & Dagger On the Air: The Further Adventures of Santa Claus is free, although donations to help cover production costs are always appreciated. Light refreshments and water will be available.
As mentioned, doors open at 3:30 p.m. with live music by R.J. Gaudio, Troubadour, who will perform pop, rock, and folk music favorites. The program will also livestream from The Ohio Valley Cloak & Dagger Company Facebook page starting at 3:30 p.m.
Top of WV CVB is located at 3539 Main Street in Weirton, W.Va., across from Ferguson Tire Pros. Individuals with mobility impairments may more easily enter through the building’s front entrance. Members of the troupe are happy to assist these individuals.
Cloak & Dagger On the Air is a monthly theatrical series from The Ohio Valley Cloak & 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 independent writer and actor Pete Fernbaugh, Cloak & 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 more information and for updates on our live and recorded productions, please visit The Ohio Valley Cloak & Dagger Company’s Facebook page.
