Radio on the Lake Theatre Performs War of the Worlds
The Cleveland-based nonprofit recreated the iconic radio drama at the historic Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Classical
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Radio on the Lake Theatre hosted a live performance of The War of the Worlds in early October 2026 at the Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens. The Shaker Heights-based organization specializes in producing live radio plays using physical sound-effect devices.
Why it matters
The performance highlights a commitment to preserving the tradition of live radio theater, a genre that has been a passion for the founders since their youth. By collaborating with local institutions, the group continues to sustain a unique performance art form in Northeast Ohio.
The organization has been active for 20 years, first launching as the Arts Radio Network Theater Project in South Florida before relocating to Ohio. It now maintains operations through a combination of grant funding and member donations.
The players
Radio on the Lake Theatre
A Shaker Heights-based nonprofit organization that produces live radio plays and collaborates with Baldwin Wallace University.
Leon Bibb
A professional actor who participated in the recent live production of the classic radio play.
WBWC-FM
A radio station that will air the recorded performance of the theater troupe on its 88.3 FM frequency.
The details
Actors and staff utilized physical tools to generate live sound effects, eschewing modern lighting, costumes, or elaborate stage sets. Longtime performer Leon Bibb participated in the production, which was staged as an intimate experience for the local audience.
Timeline
The original War of the Worlds radio broadcast occurred in 1938.
The theater group launched the Arts Radio Network Theater Project in the early 2000s.
The performance at Dunham Tavern took place in early October 2026.
WBWC-FM will broadcast the recorded performance on November 8, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
The performance follows a pattern set by the 1938 original War of the Worlds radio broadcast by utilizing physical sound-effect devices to recreate the authentic experience of mid-century radio theater. This approach highlights the group's commitment to maintaining a niche historical medium.
Local residents can listen to the full performance of The War of the Worlds on WBWC-FM 88.3 on November 8, 2026, at 5 p.m. Fans of the group can also attend their upcoming live show at the Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens later that same day.
The takeaway
Radio theater remains a viable community-focused art form when grounded in historical appreciation and collaborative partnerships. Residents interested in traditional performance arts should look for local nonprofit schedules to experience live Foley sound effects firsthand.
What happens next
Radio on the Lake Theatre is scheduled to perform Shadow of a Doubt at the Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens on November 8, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local performance arts scene in Cleveland Classical.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News-Herald.
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