I have been something of a writer for a long time, but recently wrote my first full length play, a take on old time radio called KECT on the Air.. It was produced in April of 2024 at Elkhart Civic Theatre, at the Bristol Opera House. KECT on the Air was developed as a radio play meant be performed on stage. It includes elements not typical of a pure radio play, including actor movement and a surrounding story of a young boy (Tommy) listening to the radio in his pajamas. Tommy interacts with the radio story, saving the day at a couple of crucial points.
ACT I is a film noir detective story patterned somewhat after Sam Spade and The Maltese Falcon. Femme fatale Veronica Drake comes to our hero, Dash Duffy, claiming to be blackmailed, but her blackmailer is found dead and the story takes a turn that involves the recovery of an ancient artifact.
ACT II is a cowboy adventure involving Ray Ridgely and Ronnie Blake (a sort of Roy Rogers/Dale Evans duo), on the trail of a bank robber. Loud, brash Sister Palomino runs Our Lady of the Four Winds Orphanage and Casino, whose safe deposit box has been emptied by Bad Billy Preston. The contents turn out to be an ancient artifact -- the same one Dash Duffy recovered in Act I. The second act includes two original songs written for the play.
At the end of the play, Tommy’s parents, played by the same actors who portray Dash, Ginny, Ray & Ronnie take him off to bed, but not before the audience learns the origin of the ancient artifact in the two stories.
KECT is a loving, campy tribute to the golden age of radio.
Direct any production inquiries to me, using the contact form HERE. Request a perusal copy of the script from here as well.
Below are a few production pictures, taken by Mel Moore.
