The Naples Players Radio Theatre

My Favorite Husband" is a classic radio sitcom that originally aired from 1948 to 1951, starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning. The show revolves around the humorous escapades of Liz and George Cooper, a married couple living in the fictional town of Sheridan Falls. Liz is portrayed as a witty and charming housewife, while George is a bank executive. The series explores the couple's everyday challenges, misunderstandings, and comedic situations, often driven by Liz's quirky personality and George's attempts to navigate the ups and downs of married life. The success of "My Favorite Husband" paved the way for Lucille Ball's iconic role in the television series "I Love Lucy," solidifying her status as one of the greatest comedic actresses in entertainment history. In this episode of "My Favorite Husband," titled "Halloween Surprise Party," Liz Cooper is upset because she believes she and her husband George have been snubbed by their friends, the Atterburys, who are hosting a Halloween party without inviting them. Liz becomes determined to find out why they weren't invited and even plans to throw her own party in retaliation. However, it turns out that the Atterburys are actually planning a surprise Halloween party for Liz and George at their own house. The episode concludes with Liz and George discovering the surprise and realizing their friends still care about them. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Pam austin as Liz, Jim Heffernan as George, Janie Ballurio as Liz's friend, Iris, Nathan Eichorn as the police officer and Michael Troop as the Rudolph Atterbury. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Furnished Room” is a play written by the Lucille Fletcher ( the author of “Sorry, Wrong Number”) which explores the themes of love, loss, and the psychological toll of refusing to let go of the past, all wrapped in a suspenseful and macabre narrative. It aired in September 1945 on the Suspense Radio program and featured the talents of Mildred Natwick and Don Defore. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Debera Millstein as Mrs Hawkins,and Jim Heffernan as Mr. Jennings. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Franz Kafka’s "The Trial (Der Prozess)" is one of the most haunting and influential novels of the 20th century. Kafka began writing The Trial during the early years of World War I (1914–1915 )but never completed it. Instead he left a series of fragmented chapters which were transcribed in loose-leaf notebooks, leaving no clear instructions on the novel’s structure. Kafka died in 1924 having never published the novel. In his will, he asked his friend Max Brod to burn all his unpublished manuscripts but fortunately Brod famously ignored this request and published The Trial in 1925. As a German-speaking Jew in Prague under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Kafka experienced cultural marginalization. He worked as a legal clerk at the Workers’ Accident Insurance Institute in Prague which exposed him to the cold machinery of bureaucracy which seems to underpin the nightmarish, opaque legal system in "The Trial." In his youth, Kafka had a fraught relationship with his father, and he often felt overwhelmed by guilt and inadequacy, even when he had done nothing wrong. His feelings of guilt without cause and punishment without explanation, embodied his protagonist of the novel, Josef K. In fact his protagonist mirrored his feelings of being trapped in a world he could not understand or influence. Arguably more than ever, Kafka’s novel has become a prophetic mirror for modern society in that modern citizens often face labyrinthine institutions, where decisions are made behind closed doors. Think: immigration systems, corporate algorithms, or opaque AI models — where outcomes feel arbitrary and unchallengeable. The term “Kafkaesque” has entered our lexicon to describe situations where people are caught in absurd, illogical, and powerless scenarios. Today we hear or read about people facing indefinite detention, show trials, or automated decision-making systems that deny appeals. In The Trial, Josef K. is told he’s guilty but never told why. This loss of individual agency is often reflected today in many situations where people are denied loans, benefits, or parole based on data-driven decisions with no transparency and we have heard or witnessed whistleblowers, journalists, and activists often facing persecution without clear legal recourse. Kafka’s world foreshadows regimes that operate via endless process rather than justice and it can be argued that our own government weaponizes laws to suppress dissent, making The Trial feel eerily current. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Vic Caroli, Danny Miller, Pat Ashton, Kip Jones, James Corsica, Judy Scribner, Mike Santos, and Michael Troop . This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

The Whistler was the most popular radio show that most of America never heard.  Yet it was one of the most enduring and well-loved mystery programs of its era, known for its eerie narration, suspenseful storytelling, and unexpected twist endings. It first appeared as a sustaining program on the CBS Pacific Coast network on May 16, 1942 and ran to September 22, 1955. Much of its 13 year run was confined to the eight station CBS Pacific Coast network and selected affiliates in the network’s regional group of nine Mountain zone stations. Yet, millions could recognize the program’s haunting 13-note theme and its famous opening line, “I am the Whistler… and I know many things, for I walk by night…” The program’s iconic narrator, known as “The Whistler,” was an omniscient, ghostly figure who observed the fates of the characters but never directly intervened. Like The Shadow’s first personification a dozen years earlier, Inner Sanctum’s ghostly Raymond in 1941 and The Mysterious Traveler in 1943, The Whistler stood outside the stories he narrated.  But unlike the others, he used a unique second-person, present tense technique as if to talk directly with the central character of his stories - often an innocent drawn into the plot by circumstances or an amateur driven to murder as a last resort.   Most episodes followed a crime or psychological thriller format, often focusing on flawed protagonists whose own misdeeds or weaknesses led to their downfall. Its storytelling style influenced TV anthologies such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1965) and The Twilight Zone (1959–1964), both of which shared The Whistler’s love for ironic justice and surprise endings. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Jim Corsica, Carole Fenstermacher, Kimberly Albrecht, Vic Caroli, and Michael Troop . This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-->

"Take a Letter, Darling" is a comedic story centered around the professional and personal dynamics between MacGregor, a sharp and confident advertising executive, and Tom Verney, her newly hired personal secretary. The play is a lighthearted exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. MacGregor hires Tom for unconventional duties, including posing as her fiancé to reassure a jealous client’s wife and help secure business deals. Despite initial friction and Tom's reluctance to take the job seriously, their interactions evolve into a mix of witty banter, jealousy, and romantic tension. MacGregor, who prides herself on being emotionally detached, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Tom, while he struggles with his own feelings for her. This production features the vocal talents of Jesse Hughes, Amy Hughes , Lynne Young, Kip Jones, and Michael Troop

The Cellar Door was written by Bernard Girard and originally aired on the On Stage radio series, October 28, 1953. Three years later it was reprised for the Suspense radio series. It is a compelling story about a 2 year old child left unattended when his parents are accidentally locked in a basement. "The Cellar Door" is a well-crafted piece of radio drama that effectively combines domestic realism with suspenseful storytelling. The play's ability to turn an ordinary scenario into a thrilling experience showcases the strength of radio as a medium for storytelling. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Christian Conn, Sydney Conn, and Janie Ballurio. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason

The Naples Players Radio Theatre brings to life one of the most iconic tales in American crime fiction: The Maltese Falcon. Originally penned by Dashiell Hammett in 1930, this hardboiled detective story introduced audiences to Sam Spade—a private eye with sharp instincts and a sharper tongue—who finds himself caught in a dangerous game over a priceless, jewel-encrusted statuette. The novel was a landmark in mystery literature, transforming the genre with its gritty realism, cynical tone, and morally gray characters. But its influence didn’t stop at the printed page. As radio drama captivated living rooms across America in the 1930s and ’40s, The Maltese Falcon was destined for the microphone. The most celebrated adaptation aired on Lux Radio Theatre on February 8, 1943, just two years after the acclaimed Warner Bros. film. What made this broadcast legendary was its cast: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre—reprising their film roles for a national radio audience. In just under an hour, listeners were transported into the shadowy alleys and smoky offices of noir San Francisco, brought to life by powerful performances and immersive sound design. Over the decades, The Maltese Falcon has continued to grip the imagination. Whether in film, on the page, or through the speakers of an old radio, the mystery of the black bird and the enigma of Sam Spade remain timeless. This radio play adaptation pays homage to that legacy. We invite you to lean in, listen closely, and lose yourself in a tale where loyalty is slippery, danger comes in whispers, and nothing is ever quite what it seems. Thank you for joining us. Let the mystery begin. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Pamela Dollack, Jim Heffernan, David Whalley, Nathan Eichhorn,Robert Medeiros,Gregg Birr,Esther Snyder, and Michael Troop . This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Love, Honor, or Murder,a 1950 Suspense radio production is a tale of love and betrayal… of a man pushed to his breaking point … and a wife whose ambition knows no bounds. It begins with a lost wallet and twelve thousand dollars—enough to change a life, or end one. When a cab driver’s loyalty is tested by greed, and a woman’s scheming turns to desperation, the only question left is: who will pay the final price? This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Janina Birtolo, Mitchel Frank, Esther Snyder, and Michael Troop . This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-

My Favorite Husband" is a classic radio sitcom that originally aired from 1948 to 1951, starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning. The show revolves around the humorous escapades of Liz and George Cooper, a married couple living in the fictional town of Sheridan Falls. Liz is portrayed as a witty and charming housewife, while George is a bank executive. The series explores the couple's everyday challenges, misunderstandings, and comedic situations, often driven by Liz's quirky personality and George's attempts to navigate the ups and downs of married life. The success of "My Favorite Husband" paved the way for Lucille Ball's iconic role in the television series "I Love Lucy," solidifying her status as one of the greatest comedic actresses in entertainment history In this episode, Liz attempts to get her husband, George, to help with the annual spring housecleaning. She tries to shame George into helping by pretending to struggle with a heavy bucket of ashes, but her plan backfires when George discovers the bucket is filled with paper. Meanwhile, Liz finds old love letters she wrote to George before they were married and decides to prank him by pretending the letters are from another woman. This leads to a series of misunderstandings, including Liz suspecting George of having an affair with his secretary, Gladys.Ultimately, George reaffirms his love for Liz, and the comedic chaos resolves with Liz realizing her suspicions were unfounded. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Pam austin as Liz, Jim Heffernan as George, Adriann Philby as the maid and Michael Troop as the boss. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

In a dystopian society where poets, artists, and other members of the creative community have been declared obsolete, a young poet faces a trial for his life. "2462" is a thought provoking story that makes a statement about the value of artistic expression. Examined in light of our First Amendment guaranteeing our right to free speech, "2462" asks the question, what happens when an authoritarian government decides that artistic expression in any form is considered bad for society. Written by George Bamber, it first aired on the Suspense radio program in 1962 and is one of the 945 episodes that aired during its 20 year history. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Jesse Hughes, Kip Jones, David Whalley, and Michael Troop . This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

The Hitch Hiker was written by Lucille Fletcher who is best known for her play, “Sorry Wrong Number”. She conceived of the idea of the Hitch-Hiker while traveling in a 1940 Packard convertible to Hollywood when she spotted an odd-looking man on the Brooklyn Bridge and again on the Pulaski Skyway in New Jersey. There story is a blend of psychological horror and the supernatural and is sure to appease the appetite of those who like a good ghost story. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Jim Corsica in the role of Ronald Adams ,Vic Caroli as the gas station attendant and store keeper, John Heard, also heard as the store keeper, Lynne Young as Mrs. Adams and the female hitch-hiker, and Adriann Philby as Mrs. Whinney. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” is one of the most iconic poems in American literature. First published on January 29, 1845, in The Evening Mirror(for which he was only paid $9), it brought Poe instant fame and established his reputation as a master of dark and macabre storytelling. Poe claimed in his essay, “The Philosophy of Composition” (1846), that he wrote “The Raven” through a logical and methodical process, aiming to evoke a specific emotional effect — melancholy. He chose a raven as the central symbol because of its ominous presence and association with death. The iconic refrain “Nevermore” was chosen for its sonorous and impactful effect and to this day remains a symbol of unrelenting despair. Some critics believe Poe’s writing of The Raven was influenced by his personal struggles, including his poverty and his wife Virginia’s battle with tuberculosis. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Vic Caroli who narrates the poem. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-

The Whistler was the most popular radio show that most of America never heard.  Yet it was one of the most enduring and well-loved mystery programs of its era, known for its eerie narration, suspenseful storytelling, and unexpected twist endings. It first appeared as a sustaining program on the CBS Pacific Coast network on May 16, 1942 and ran to September 22, 1955. Much of its 13 year run was confined to the eight station CBS Pacific Coast network and selected affiliates in the network’s regional group of nine Mountain zone stations. Yet, millions could recognize the program’s haunting 13-note theme and its famous opening line, “I am the Whistler… and I know many things, for I walk by night…” The program’s iconic narrator, known as “The Whistler,” was an omniscient, ghostly figure who observed the fates of the characters but never directly intervened. Like The Shadow’s first personification a dozen years earlier, Inner Sanctum’s ghostly Raymond in 1941 and The Mysterious Traveler in 1943, The Whistler stood outside the stories he narrated.  But unlike the others, he used a unique second-person, present tense technique as if to talk directly with the central character of his stories - often an innocent drawn into the plot by circumstances or an amateur driven to murder as a last resort.   Most episodes followed a crime or psychological thriller format, often focusing on flawed protagonists whose own misdeeds or weaknesses led to their downfall. Its storytelling style influenced TV anthologies such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–1965) and The Twilight Zone (1959–1964), both of which shared The Whistler’s love for ironic justice and surprise endings. This production features the vocal talents of Pamela Austin, Judy Scribner, Vic Caroli, Mitchel Frank, and Michael Troop. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart”, first published in 1843, is one of his most famous works, known for its exploration of guilt, madness, and the human psyche. Upon its publication , it was well-received, and its themes of madness and guilt have continued to resonate with readers ever since. The story has been adapted countless times for film, theater, and radio. In fact the script which is adapted from Poe’s original manuscript and is the basis for this Radio Theatre production was read by Boris Karloff on the Chase and Sanborn Hour radio show on January 30, 1938. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Christian Conn as the Murderer, Vic Caroli as the old man, and Michael Troop as the police officer. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-

Back Seat Driver aired on the iconic radio series, Suspense, on March 17 1949. It was written by Sally Thorson for Jim and Marian Jordan who were the main stars of the ever popular radio series Fibber McGee and Molly which aired from 1935 to 1959. This play not only showcased the Jordan’s versatility but it also brought even more notoriety to the Suspense series. The Suspense radio series, often referred to as “Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills,” ran for over 20 years. It debuted on June 17, 1942 and continued until its final episode on September 30, 1962. Over the course of its run, it aired more than 900 episodes, becoming one of the longest-running radio dramas during the Golden Age of Radio. The series was famous for its intense plots, unexpected twists, and notable guest stars, making it a key part of American radio history. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Janie Ballurio as Ellie and Miranda, Mitchell Frank as Matrick, Nathan Eichhorn as Mike and Michael Troop as Joe. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

The 1950 Suspense production of Lady Killer exemplified the golden age of radio drama, showcasing its ability to immerse listeners with compelling stories and rich soundscapes. It also stood out for its strong female lead, breaking some stereotypes of the era. The original production of Lady Killer featured the vocal talents of Loretta Young as Peg Lincoln. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Brandon Jones as Grant Benton, Pamela Austin as Peg Lincoln, and Jim Heffernan as police chief, Ray Longman. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-

"The Dark Tower" is a gripping tale of psychological manipulation, family loyalty, and the blurred lines between theatricality and reality. Witten by George S. Kaufman and Alexander Woollcott, it aired May 4, 1944 on the radio program , "Suspense” and featured the vocal talents of Orson Welles. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Christian Conn as Damon Wellington, Pamela Austin as Jessica Wellington, Jack Weld as Stanley Vance and Kelsey Butler as Aunt Martha. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Gas lighting in homes was most notable during the 19th century, particularly from the early to mid-1800s until the early 20th century. The first successful commercial use of gas lighting occurred in the early 1800s, with widespread adoption in urban areas during the Victorian era. By the 1850s and 1860s, gas lighting had become common in many cities, used for both street lighting and residential lighting. The play “Gaslight, written by the British playwright Patrick Hamilton in 1938 takes us back to Victorian London and delves deep into the sinister mind games and psychological manipulation between a husband and his wife. In fact, the term 'gaslighting', now a common term for psychological manipulation, originates from this very play. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Pamela Dollock who is the voice of Paula and Nany, Jesse Hughes plays the part of Gregory,aka, Sergis Bauer, Pamela Austin voiuces the roles of Elizabeth, Mrs Dalroy and Ms Thwaites, Nathan Eicxhhorn is the voice of Cameron and Michael Troop is the voice of Williams and is the host of the producyion. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

ARTNET lampoons Dragnet which was one of the most popular radio dramas of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Dragnet first aired on radio on June 3, 1949 and ran until February 6 1957. The show was created by Jack Webb, who also starred as the main character, Sergeant Joe Friday. Written by Eric Coble, ARTNET is a satirical comedy that explores the intersections of art, commerce, and technology. It delves into the absurdities of the art world, particularly how art is commodified and how artists navigate the pressures of commercial success. Coble’s writing style is characterized by sharp wit, humor, and a strong sense of social commentary. He often blends comedy with poignant themes, addressing issues such as identity, family dynamics, and societal expectations. His plays are known for their engaging dialogue, dynamic characters, and the ability to resonate with a wide range of audiences, from young people to adults. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland and raised on the Navajo and Ute reservations in New Mexico and Colorado, Eric Coble is an award winning American playwright and screenwriter. He is a member of the Playwrights' Unit of the Cleveland Play House. His plays have been produced in 50 states of the U.S., and on six continents. Coble has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including an Emmy nomination, the Cleveland Arts Prize, and multiple playwriting fellowships. His plays have been produced Off-Broadway, in regional theaters across the United States, and internationally. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Jim Heffernan who is the voice of Joe Frida, Vic Caroli as Dali and Picasso, John Heard as the Chief, Jim Corsica is the voice DaVinci, Danny Miller as Warhol. Lynne Young as Mona Lisa and Michael Troop as Monet. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. Music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-The Dragnet theme music was composed by Walter Schuman and produced and arranged by Geek Music.(https://www.patreon.com/geekmusic1)

"Gracie Runs for President" is a comedic radio play from the "Burns & Allen" show, which aired on February 28, 1940. The episode features Gracie Allen announcing her candidacy for President of the United States, much to the disbelief and sarcasm of her husband and straight man, George Burns. The play humorously explores Gracie's whimsical and nonsensical approach to politics, including her interactions with the regulars in this 1940 production such as Frank Parker, the featured singer on the program, Ray Noble , the orchestra leader who originally heralded from Brighton, Sussex in England and Turman Bradley the announcer. Gracie's campaign is filled with humorous misunderstandings and playful banter, highlighting her daffy personality. The episode refers to Hinds Honey and Almond Cream, the advertisers for the program. The play ends with Gracie confidently looking forward to her imagined presidency, despite the chaos and hilarity that ensues throughout the broadcast. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of: Janina Birtolo as Gracie Allen, Michael Troop as George Burns, and Nathan Eichhorn and Gregg Birr doing the vocal characteristics of Truman, Ray Noble, Frank, Gene, Bubbles and the reporters. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.