Alien invasion Before there was TV there was radio and when reports
of aliens landing were sent across the airwaves the nation went into chaos.
In 1938, when Orson Welles broadcast War of the
Worlds, thousands were frightened as they
listened to reports of an alien attack. Descriptions of a meteorite landing
in Grover’s Mill, N.J.,and Martians attacking local authorities sent many fleeing
their homes in search of safety. Now, 70 years later on the anniversary of
the original broadcast, people can see the how the events unfolded. Gus
Gordon Productions and 91.9 WUIS will re-create a live version of the radio
drama. Men providing sound effects and actors dressed in costumes will
present the broadcast as if it were an actual 1930s radio show.
Thursday Oct. 30
War of The Worlds
Hoogland Center for the Arts
420 S. Sixth St
217-523-2787
www.scfta.org
7 p.m.
$12
Political satire
When these Capitol Hill workers gather around the
water cooler they do a little more than gossip, they put on a full-blown
roast. The CapitolSteps,
a comedy group made up of members who have worked in Washington, D.C., will
bring their off-color humor to Springfield. The comedy group takes
political satire to another level. They use current news headlines to
create original songs and skits that highlight the shortcomings of some of
the most influential people in Washington. No person or issue is off limits
as they poke fun at Barack Obama, John McCain, airport security and, of
course, President George W. Bush.
FridayOct. 31
Capitol Steps
Sangamon Auditorium
UIS
217-206-6160
www.sangamonauditorium.org
8 p.m.
$32 and $37
Mind games The Lincoln Land Community College Student Life office
is always looking for something interesting to bring to campus, and they
found him. Enter the “Theatre of Thought” and explore the
mysteries of the mind with Christopher Carter, one of the most recognized
psychological performers. His ability to read minds landed him on the
“Martin Short Show,” and he was also named “Performing
Arts Entertainer of the Year” by Campus
Magazine. Carter entertains audiences by
performing mental tricks like lighting a light bulb in your hand or telling
you exactly what you’re hiding in your pocket. Carter’s mental
skills and feats are guaranteed to intrigue the biggest skeptics.
Thursday Oct. 30
Christopher Carter
Trutter Center
Lincoln Land Community College
5250 Shepherd Rd.
271-786-2241
7 p.m.
Free
165 years St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal church is one of
the oldest African-American churches in Springfield. This year marks the
165th anniversary of St. Paul AME and it’s a cause for celebration.
As a part of a series of week-long events commemorating the 165-year
milestone, gospel recording artist Dr. Marvin Sapp will hold an anniversary
concert. Sapp considers himself to be apreacher with the gift to sing. His popular song, Never Would Have Made It, is
fitting as the community comes together to honor a church whose beginnings
were humble, but which prospered with the glory of God.
SaturdayNov. 1
Dr. Marvin Sapp Gospel Concert
St Paul AME Church
217-522-4796
1130 S.16th St.
7 p.m.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door
This article appears in Oct 23-29, 2008.
