Campus talent show has ‘War of Worlds’ twist

Staff report

Sharon, Pa.

The Penn State Shenango Drama Club will present “Music and Memories: A Talent Show with a Twist” at the campus auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Friday and next Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. April 6.

Tickets are $5 ($4 for students and seniors, and $3 for children under 5) at the door.

The show will feature singers and musicians, a dance number, martial arts, a novelty number and a parody of Orson Welles’ version of “The War of the Worlds” 1938 radio show as the storyline tying together all the acts.

The original radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds took place as a Halloween scare in 1938, and presented a series of simulated news bulletins, which convinced many listeners that an actual alien invasion by Martians was taking place.

It was broadcast nationally from New York, and the target of the Martian invasion was across the river in New Jersey. Penn State Shenango’s version of the story will be set closer to home, but the city devastated by the Martians won’t be revealed in advance.

Thirty baskets will be raffled off as a benefit for AWARE of Mercer County, including a spaghetti dinner basket with all the fixings, wine and a $50 gift card; and a Penn State-themed basket, with August Wendell Forge items and stemware, jewelry and other items featuring Penn State colors.

Other baskets will include Vera Bradley-brand items, Fiesta Ware, jewelry, Quaker Steak and Lube items, a crewel-art picture, prints, gardening items, photo frames and albums, assorted greeting cards, handyman accessories, a seashell basket and rock specimens.

The basket raffle winners will be drawn April 6. AWARE is a victim-services agency dedicated to eliminating domestic and sexual violence.

For more information about the talent show, contact the office of student affairs, 724-983-2836.