Creative Cauldron’s ‘On Air’ transfers from local stage to worldwide airwaves

Garrett Matthews as Dr. Harry P. Davis, Erin Granfield as Agnes Davis, Robert Aubry Davis as Radio Voice, Nora Palka as Flora Conrad, and Jimmy Mavrikes as Frank Conrad in ‘On Air’ in 2019 at Creative Cauldron. [Keith Waters Kx Photography]

By David Siegel

“On Air,” a delightful audio musical about the momentous events in media history when mass broadcasting began, was presented in 2019 at the Creative Cauldron theater in Falls Church.

The “On Air” worldwide audio broadcast will stream Nov 16 and 23 at 7 p.m. EST on Creative Cauldron’s YouTube channel under the “premiere” feature. That allows viewers to watch together, chat during the broadcast, and join the creative team after the show for a talkback. 

Folks can also catch the show on either date any time before 1 am EST. Tickets are free but must be reserved.

Related story: ‘On Air’ at Creative Cauldron is a delightful musical about early radio

November 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the first mass radio broadcast, which occurred in Pittsburgh in the garage of Frank and Flora Conrad. “On Air” tells Frank and Flora’s story – how from humble beginnings, their efforts eventually lead to the formation of KDKA, the first radio station. 

The production also chronicles the fight for women’s suffrage, the advent of media coverage of presidential elections, and the impact radio had on society.

Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith return to helm this adaptation, together with original cast members Nora Palka, Jimmy Mavrikes, Erin Granfield, Garrett Matthews, Robert Aubrey Davis, and Owen Thiebert. They are joined by notable Pittsburgh broadcasters Larry Richert and Jack Bogurt.  

For tickets and further details visit the Creative Cauldron website or call the box office, 703-436-9948.

This article is based on a piece by theater critic David Siegel in DC Metro Theater Arts.