The play did justice to Ray's work. Staging, costuming and music were superb.

This is without question pure vintage Bradbury.

Those wonderful and "magical" experiences of something beyond beautiful poetry one realizes in reading a Bradbury story, comes across on stage in unexpected moments. A strange Christmas it is, hardly recognizable except for the love of a special couple surprisingly intertwined.

Worth visiting that world...again!

quote:

Originally posted by Nard Kordell:
This is without question pure vintage Bradbury.

Those wonderful and "magical" experiences of something beyond beautiful poetry one realizes in reading a Bradbury story, comes across on stage in unexpected moments. A strange Christmas it is, hardly recognizable except for the love of a special couple surprisingly intertwined.

Worth visiting that world...again!

Originally written as Happy Anniversary 2049 around 1957. For those of you that have a copy of the limited edition of Marionettes, Inc. you will recognize the stage from the sketch on the inside front cover, which was done by Ray.

Wonderful photos, John. Thanks for sharing them!

quote:

Originally posted by Richard:
Wonderful photos, John. Thanks for sharing them!

Considering I had to turn off the flash and was in a darkened room I'm suprised at how well they came out myself.

Pandemonium Press

An Irregular Publication of
RAY BRADBURY’S
PANDEMONIUM THEATRE COMPANY

Celebrating its

46th ANNIVERSARY YEAR!

Issue No. 52 December 2009/January 2010

THE PLAY’S THE THING

RAY BRADBURY’S MERRY CHRISTMAS 2116

At the Fremont Center Theatre – Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19 at 8 pm

For several years now, the Fremont Centre Theatre has played host to a special Christmas show from Ray Bradbury. This is a special treat for fans of Mr. Bradbury: an advance look at his newest work for the stage, as well as share holiday-time memories with their literary hero, who will appear in person. The musical will have its formal World Premiere for the press at Fremont Centre Theatre on Saturday, January 16, 2010, running through February 27.

In Ray Bradbury’s Merry Christmas 2116, an aging couple, approaching the 40th anniversary of their married lives together, each decide to give their spouse a present. As coincidence would have it, Mr. Wycherly and Mrs. Wycherly each separately approach a maker of realistic, lifelike robots called marionettes, although they have no strings. Mr. Wycherly requests that Mr. Marionette manufacture a highly customized younger, more vital version of himself to please Mrs. Wycherly. The Missus, for her part, asks the robot-maker to fashion a young, hot, sassy, saucy version of herself for her Mister. When the new marionettes are each delivered to their designated recipients, the fun really begins. It’s a work of Bradbury’s humor, warmth and joy, perfect for the season.

This musical was first conceived fifty years ago for two Bradbury friends, the husband and wife team of Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester, with director James Whale attached. With Whale’s sudden death, the project was set aside.

Book and lyrics by Ray Bradbury. James Hoke composed the brand new musical score. Directed and choreographed by Steve Josephson. Produced by Ray Bradbury and by Racquel Lehrman, Theatre Planners. The cast includes David Stoneman, Rob Harryman, Lisa Morrice, Jessie McLean, Steve Josephson, Samantha Marcella, Christine Reese and Anthony Scarano. Presented by Ray Bradbury’s Pandemonium Theatre Company and Gallimaufry Performing Arts.

In addition to the musical, the second segment of the December evenings will be a personal appearance by Ray Bradbury, sharing the reminiscences of a legendary life and career. He will also be available to sign books for his fans.

Fremont Centre Theatre

1000 Fremont Ave. (at El Centro)

South Pasadena, CA 91030

Abundant free parking behind the theatre.

Close to the Mission St. Station of the Metrolink Gold Line.

Saturdays at 8 p.m. on December 5, 12 and 19, 2009

(January/February schedule to follow)

Admission: $20 Seniors: $15 Students: $10

Reservations and information: (323) 960-4451

Online ticketing: www.Plays411.com/raybradbury

. . . excerpted from the Press Releases by Philip Sokoloff (showbizphil@sbcglobal.net)

® ® ®

RAY IN PRINT

News from Doug M.

“The Man Upstairs” is reprinted in THE VAMPIRE ARCHIVES, ed. By Otto Penzler (Vintage, 2009).

“Interview with Ray Bradbury” by Phil Yeh and Linda Adams in UNCLE JAM QUARTERLY, Fall, 2009.

Ray Bradbury’s story “The April Witch” is reprinted in the new volume AMERICAN FANTASTIC TALES, edited by Peter Straub (Library of America), 2009.

Ray also contributes a foreword to COMIC-CON: 40 YEARS OF ARTISTS, WRITERS, FANS & FRIENDS (Chronicle Books, 2009).

Ray Bradbury's Pandemonium Theatre Company

Established 1963

Ray Bradbury, Co-Founder, Producer and Playwright

The late Charles Rome Smith, Co-Founder and Director

Pandemonium Press

Marlene and Arnold Kunert – Editors

Email to pande_press@cox.net if you no longer wish to receive this publication.

©2009 RAY BRADBURY ENTERPRISES