Chatterbox Audio Theater: Recent Episodes
dave@chatterboxtheater.org
Chatterbox creates fully soundscaped audio works for free download. With rare exceptions, Chatterbox shows are recorded live, with manual sound effects and as little post-production editing as possible.
Chatterbox's ten-year story reaches its final chapter with this classic horror tale. The vindictive Montresor has been insulted by the obnoxious Fortunato. Montresor's taste for revenge leads the two men deep into the catacombs below his palazzo, where Fortunato will face a shocking reckoning.
A man travels a thousand miles to a particular rain-swept city street in order to keep an appointment made two decades before. A classic tale from O. Henry.
In this modern take on the Cinderella story, a young girl searches for her talent while suffering at the hands of her tone-deaf stepmother and crass step-siblings. But an impulsive wish on a dandelion introduces her to her magical, brassy, Southern fairy godmother, who might just hold the key to her self-discovery.
A desperate family struggles to stay together and stay alive in the face of an overwhelming force. The choices they make will determine their survival. Script developed through the Mabou Mines/SUITE Resident Artists Program; mentored by Ruth Maleczech and Terry O'Reilly. Awarded BBC's "Top Prize of the Americas." Available for theatrical production from Samuel French (http://www.samuelfrench.com/p/9811/nature-of-captivity-the).
A young man rides his bike to the neighborhood park in order to carry out a peculiar plan.
This historical vignette takes the form of a blues song recounting a 1927 natural disaster and the efforts of Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover to address it.
Two asylum doctors debate the best course of treatment for a particularly bizarre patient.
In this micro-show, a nursing home resident searches for someone who can answer her question.
In the first of our series of "micro-shows," a man suffering from tinnitus cannot escape a particular musical note.
Through candid interviews and archival recordings, three women tell the story of the inescapable evil that haunts their family. As each subsequent generation suffers new horrors, they also begin to piece together an understanding of the curse that flows down their bloodline.
George McWhirter Fotheringay is just a regular bloke... until he discovers the ability to make things happen simply by thinking about them. He tries to use his power for good but can't quite seem to get it right. An original musical adaptation of H.G. Wells's comic story.
This live performance follows Jason and his heroic band of Argonauts on their quest to claim the golden fleece. Along the way, they will encounter powerful gods, fearsome warriors, nightmarish creatures, and other thrilling challenges. Part two of two.
The deceased residents of Spoon River, Illinois, reflect on their lives, recounting their stories from beyond the grave. Together, they paint a picture of a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. Part 2 of 5.
This live performance follows Jason and his heroic band of Argonauts on their quest to claim the golden fleece. Along the way, they will encounter powerful gods, fearsome warriors, nightmarish creatures, and other thrilling challenges. Part one of two.
Dottie, an imaginative young girl, takes a trip to the magical land of Oz without ever leaving her room. Instead of a scarecrow and a tin man, she encounters creatures made of socks and soda cans, and together they will embark on a quest to meet the wizard who lives under her bed. A fun, family-friendly tale inspired by The Wizard of Oz.
Two men sit in a rented room, waiting. One is calm, the other nervous. To pass the time, the men play a game of checkers -- and the stakes are much higher than they first appear. A Chatterbox original.
The brave but untested Gawain sees a chance to prove his valor when King Arthur's court is visited by a mysterious, monstrous Green Knight. Will the Knight's strange bargain prove to be Gawain's opportunity -- or his undoing?
As his creations inexplicably malfunction, an aging clockmaker feels his heart winding down toward death. How far will he go to restore his clocks' vitality -- and ensure his own eternal life? Part two of two.
Ten years later, a school shooting survivor reconnects with her former classmates to explore how the event has continued to shape their lives. How do they deal with the repercussions? And how have they each moved on in the wake of tragedy? Based on actual events. Part 2 of 2.
As his creations inexplicably malfunction, an aging clockmaker feels his heart winding down toward death. How far will he go to restore his clocks' vitality -- and ensure his own eternal life? Part one of two.
Ten years later, a school shooting survivor reconnects with her former classmates to explore how the event has continued to shape their lives. How do they deal with the repercussions? And how have they each moved on in the wake of tragedy? Based on actual events. Part 1 of 2.
John Claverhouse's strange appearance and grating laugh are enough to get under anyone's skin. But how far will his neighbor go in order to get rid of the jolly, moon-faced man? A surprising and darkly comic tale from Jack London.
A Fisherman and a Mermaid fall in love, but they cannot be together as long as he retains his immortal soul. The Fisherman's quest to rid himself of his soul will have far-reaching consequences that neither of them could foresee. A rich, poignant, and surprising fairy tale by the great Oscar Wilde.
A very nearly scary story with jazz, featuring The Lady Who Lives in the Curtains. Arthur, Maggie, and Conroy find themselves in a big, drafty house with their parents gone, a donut shop next door, and a radio that only plays jazz. What is the secret of the house, and of the mysterious shadows that snoop around at night? A fast-paced comic adventure for all ages.
In a dystopian future, three paper pushers get the assignment of their lives. If those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it, what becomes of those who erase the past? An original and unique dark comedy.
A restless woman is forced to live in a mysterious old house, where she discovers the horrors and the madness that can emerge from the most innocuous of patterns.
Sojourner Truth relates the formative memories and moments from her life, which put her on the path toward history. Vivid characters, surprising encounters, and inspiring moments of courage populate this one-woman show, written and performed by Jazmin Miller.
Various lives intertwine through the telephone time service in late-1930s New York. A recreation of an Old Time Radio broadcast originally aired on The Columbia Workshop on August 24, 1939.
An Athenian prince and four of his countrymen are locked in a maze as a sacrifice to an unspeakable monster. But these sacrifices will not go quietly. A high-octane, adventure-style take on the iconic myth. Sponsored by The Levit Family.
Partridge is leaving his pear tree to visit his family for the holidays. But before he arrives home, he is determined to find the perfect gift for his loving parents. On his journey, he'll meet several feathered friends who will help him find exactly what he's looking for. This interactive show was performed live at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on December 12, 2010.
The deceased residents of Spoon River, Illinois, reflect on their lives, recounting their stories from beyond the grave. Together, they paint a picture of a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. Sponsored by Karen Strachan. Part 1 of 5.
Haunted by an old man's "evil eye," a woman commits a shocking act of violence. But although she conceals the crime, the old man's presence is not so easily forgotten. A classic tale of madness and murder from the great Edgar Allan Poe.
Bookworm Marjorie is jealous of her sister's birthday present. So she travels through a series of great stories from classic literature in order to find the magic words that will help her. A family-friendly tale about the power of language and stories.
Hungry demons, depraved murderers, lonesome spirits, vicious monsters, and other strange beings stalk this terrifying anthology show. These nine original tales were performed as a live broadcast on 91.1 WKNO-FM on October 31, 2014. Not for the faint of heart!
Two men, a scientist and a dictator, are sealed in a metal sphere and plunged into the ocean, hoping to break a record. What they discover in the depths will lead them into the depths of their own fears, hopes, and spirits. A timeless political thriller from radio playwright Arch Oboler, originally produced on November 18, 1939.
This energetic, family-friendly performance brings to life three tales of folklore collected by the Brothers Grimm: "The Old Woman in the Woods," "Little Red Cap," and "The Three Little Birds." Performed live at the Memphis Children's Theatre Festival on May 24, 2014, in collaboration with Theatre Memphis's ShoWagon.
Youth performers from the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center's TheatreKids program recreate Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy tale in this live production. Featuring commercial interludes written by the cast. Performed live on November 24, 2012.
We just released our live soundtrack to the classic horror film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Listen for details, and visit chatterboxtheater.org for the full production!
Mathilde dreams of mingling with high society. When her husband secures an invitation to a ball, she finally gets the opportunity to live out that dream. But her taste of privilege -- and the borrowed necklace that enables her to look the part -- come at an enormous cost. Also available in French as "La Parure."
Mathilde dreams of mingling with high society. When her husband secures an invitation to a ball, she finally gets the opportunity to live out that dream. But her taste of privilege -- and the borrowed necklace that enables her to look the part -- come at an enormous cost. Also available in French as "La Parure."
The king of Thebes investigates an act of violence that has angered the gods -- but the truth he uncovers threatens to destroy him. Chatterbox presents Sophocles' seminal tragedy in a contemporary translation by Ian Johnston. Act three of three.
The king of Thebes investigates an act of violence that has angered the gods -- but the truth he uncovers threatens to destroy him. Chatterbox presents Sophocles' seminal tragedy in a contemporary translation by Ian Johnston. Act two of three.
The king of Thebes investigates an act of violence that has angered the gods -- but the truth he uncovers threatens to destroy him. Chatterbox presents Sophocles' seminal tragedy in a contemporary translation by Ian Johnston. Act one of three.
This live performance, a collaboration with the Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention and the Memphis College of Art, tells the story of a robot vampire and the unexpected friendship that helps him discover his true function. Featuring renowned voice actor Tom Kenny.
Chatterbox's fifth annual Halloween broadcast on 91.1 WKNO FM looks back to highlights from the previous four years before offering a live performance of the brand-new tale "A Voice from the Woods."
Recorded in collaboration with Voices of the South, this performance piece is drawn from the writings of women incarcerated in the Shelby County Correctional Center. Their true stories provide a glimpse into the circumstances, actions, and emotions that make up their lives.
A series of confessional theater pieces asking people of various ages and backgrounds to share their views on a universal topic. This episode explores the many dimensions of fear. How do we cope with the most frightening aspects of our lives, our world, and ourselves?
The adults in a small village are far too busy to spend time with their children. They're dealing with a whole range of problems, including a growing rat population. When a mysterious stranger arrives, he seems to offer the perfect solution. But things are not as they seem, and the stranger will ask the villagers to make a difficult decision. This interactive show was performed live at the Memphis Children's Theatre Festival on May 26, 2012.
A very nearly scary story with jazz, featuring The Lady Who Lives in the Curtains. Arthur, Maggie, and Conroy find themselves in a big, drafty house with their parents gone, a donut shop next door, and a radio that only plays jazz. What is the secret of the house, and of the mysterious shadows that snoop around at night? A fast-paced comic adventure for all ages.
This live performance follows Jason and his heroic band of Argonauts on their quest to claim the golden fleece. Along the way, they will encounter powerful gods, fearsome warriors, nightmarish creatures, and other thrilling challenges. Part two of two.
This live performance follows Jason and his heroic band of Argonauts on their quest to claim the golden fleece. Along the way, they will encounter powerful gods, fearsome warriors, nightmarish creatures, and other thrilling challenges. Part one of two.
Various lives intertwine through the telephone time service in late-1930s New York. A recreation of an Old Time Radio broadcast originally aired on The Columbia Workshop on August 24, 1939.
The classic radio and pulp hero takes on his toughest case when a criminal learns the secret of invisibility. A recreation of an Old Time Radio broadcast originally aired on April 8, 1945.
Chatterbox's fourth annual Halloween performance on 91.1 WKNO FM. This spine-chilling show features four original tales of horror that were performed live on the air: "Free Me," "Leila," "Food for Worms," and "Happy Harry."
Three guys in a surrealist bar, a post-apocalyptic stand-up set, and the return of the Evil Genius: All are featured in the fourth show by Sight Gag, Chatterbox's own sketch comedy group! Recorded live at TheatreSouth on September 25, 2010.
In this "moralized fable" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, a witch is so proud of the scarecrow she builds that she decides to bring it to life. Disguising her creation as a gentleman, she sends him out into the world to make mischief. Will he be able to pass unnoticed among the other "empty-headed" people in the town?
A donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster team up to create a rockin' musical quartet. They set off for the big city in search of fame and fortune -- and find some surprises along the way. Performed live (with help from the audience) at the Memphis Children's Theatre Festival on May 28, 2011.
In this Robert Louis Stevenson tale, a suspicious, erratic man visits an antique shop on Christmas Day. There, his desperate actions will bring him face to face with a mysterious visitor who seems to know his every thought -- and who will ask him to make an eternally binding choice.
A series of confessional theater pieces asking people of various ages and backgrounds to share their views on a universal topic. This episode explores love in all its complexity, excitement, messiness, and poignancy.
A vanishing baby, an ode to Facebook stalking, and a dead dog named Mecal Fatter: Sight Gag returns in a big way with this sketch comedy show, recorded live at TheatreSouth on September 25, 2010.
Partridge is leaving his pear tree to visit his family for the holidays. But before he arrives home, he is determined to find the perfect gift for his loving parents. On his journey, he'll meet several feathered friends who will help him find exactly what he's looking for. This interactive show was performed live at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on December 12, 2010.
Chatterbox's third annual Halloween performance on 91.1 WKNO FM. This terrifying production features five original tales of horror, all performed and broadcast live.
The classic tale reimagined for adults. A widowed carpenter pours his grief into the crafting of a marionette, who is soon lost in a seductive, dangerous world. Book Three of Three.
The classic tale reimagined for adults. A widowed carpenter pours his grief into the crafting of a marionette, who is soon lost in a seductive, dangerous world. Book Two of Three.
The classic tale reimagined for adults. A widowed carpenter pours his grief into the crafting of a marionette, who is soon lost in a seductive, dangerous world. Book One of Three.
The hapless Giles stumbles onto the home of the Shepherd of Clouds, who is responsible for creating and controlling the weather. The powerful Shepherd decides to keep Giles as his servant. Will Giles be able to escape in time to save his wife and his village from an invading army? This interactive show was performed live at the Memphis Children's Theatre Festival on May 29, 2010.
John Claverhouse's strange appearance and grating laugh are enough to get under anyone's skin. But how far will his neighbor go in order to get rid of the jolly, moon-faced man? A surprising and darkly comic tale from Jack London.
In this Norse myth, Odin and his family create a home for themselves in Asgard. But to keep themselves safe, they'll need to build a wall -- a wall that can only be built by magic, and whose construction comes at a great price.
A Christmas fable for grownups. An estranged daughter returns home on Christmas Eve after discovering what she believes to be a message from beyond. Act two of two.
A Christmas fable for grownups. An estranged daughter returns home on Christmas Eve after discovering what she believes to be a message from beyond. Act one of two.
Two men sit in a rented room, waiting. One is calm, the other nervous. To pass the time, the men play a game of checkers -- and the stakes are much higher than they first appear. A Chatterbox original.
A man comes to believe that he possesses extraordinary powers -- powers that he can only activate by putting himself in harm's way. But what will happen when he decides to test his theory? A Chatterbox original.
Chatterbox's second annual live Halloween performance on 91.1 WKNO FM. The second half of this terrifying anthology show features the stories "Silent Retreat," "Hypnosis," "The Damned Thing," and "The Thing on the Fourble Board."
Chatterbox's second annual live Halloween performance on 91.1 WKNO FM. The first half of this terrifying anthology show features the stories "In the Rainbow Room," "Boil," and "The Download."
A Southern retelling of James Joyce's classic story "The Dead." In early-20th-century Memphis, an insecure schoolteacher struggles to navigate the social currents at his aunts' holiday party. But before the night is over, several unexpected encounters and one stunning revelation will change the way he views his family, his friends, and himself.
Keel boat pilot Annie Christmas rescues her crew from the devious Ekrom Edgerton and helps her cousin Caleb stand up to bully Jabez Mulligan in this American tall tale.
The city was getting crowded, so everyone moved to the country. And so the country got crowded too. But while the people are busy fighting, a clever stranger shows up with a plan to make things better for everyone. Performed live at the Memphis Children's Theatre Festival on May 23, 2009.
The presidents play poker, two sisters wake up in Baghdad, and Superman gets fired in this vignette-style performance piece based on the writings of students from East High School, Millington Central High School, and Houston High School. Performed live at Germantown Community Theatre on February 14, 2009.
Something terrifying is happening in Deacon Falls, Missouri, both under the ground and in the hearts of its residents. A tragedy at the local mine leads to the discovery of a presence deep below the earth -- a presence that threatens to bring the town's dark secrets to light. Part two of three.
Something terrifying is happening in Deacon Falls, Missouri, both under the ground and in the hearts of its residents. A tragedy at the local mine leads to the discovery of a presence deep below the earth -- a presence that threatens to bring the town's dark secrets to light. Part one of three.
Three short plays: "The Interview" by Jim Thompson; "The Prague Winter" by Rebecca Bates; and "The Sun" by John Galsworthy, updated by Robert Arnold.
Performed live on Halloween night on 91.1 WKNO FM, this chilling anthology show marks Chatterbox's broadcast radio debut. The production's first half features stories by Robert Arnold, Tony Isbell, and Chris Davis.
As his creations inexplicably malfunction, an aging clockmaker feels his heart winding down toward death. How far will he go to restore his clocks' vitality -- and ensure his own eternal life? Part two of two.
As his creations inexplicably malfunction, an aging clockmaker feels his heart winding down toward death. How far will he go to restore his clocks' vitality -- and ensure his own eternal life?
More audio-based hilarity from Chatterbox's own original sketch comedy troupe! Recorded live at the Germantown Community Theatre on March 21, 2008.
Can the brave but none-too-bright prince Simpleton save his brothers from an evil enchantment? This special interactive performance was recorded live during the 2008 Memphis Children's Theatre Festival presented by Voices of the South.
Chatterbox proudly presents the inaugural performance of its very own original sketch comedy troupe, Sight Gag! Recorded live at the Germantown Community Theatre on March 21, 2008.
Rikki-Tikki the mongoose protects his adoptive family from a pair of evil cobras. Chatterbox presents its adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale from The Jungle Book.
A traveler to a penal colony witnesses the horrific punishment inflicted upon those who break even the smallest of laws. But when a new leader rises to power, will the merciless be treated with mercy?
A nagging wife, a mysterious stranger, and a taste for drink lead the hapless Rip Van Winkle to a rather long nap.
Father Hugh Brooks, a faithless, alcoholic priest, stumbles into the town of Bloody Springs, Louisiana and becomes entangled in the aftermath of a tragic -- and mysterious -- drowning. Part three of three.
Father Hugh Brooks, a faithless, alcoholic priest, stumbles into the town of Bloody Springs, Louisiana and becomes entangled in the aftermath of a tragic -- and mysterious -- drowning. Part two of three.
Father Hugh Brooks, a faithless, alcoholic priest, stumbles into the town of Bloody Springs, Louisiana and becomes entangled in the aftermath of a tragic -- and mysterious -- drowning. Part one of three.
So a guy walks into a bar and... nothing happens. Chatterbox presents an original comedy about thunderstorms, dictionaries, and the expectations of entertainment. Part two of two.
Melville's classic tale of an inscrutable copyist who nearly brings down the whole system -- by doing nothing at all. Part one of two.