“Fibber McGee and Molly” was one of the most popular comedies of the Golden Days of Radio, enduring from 1935-1959. The fun is being re-created by actors of Bill Martyn’s Special Mark Productions in a mock radio broadcast on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Fibber McGee was a likable fellow frequently getting himself into some sort of trouble, patiently endured and soothed by his loving wife Molly. Their home at 79 Wistful Vista was frequently visited by a comical assortment of characters (in every sense of that word).
The actors will re-create the original broadcasts complete with commercials and sound effects. (The show’s most famous running gag was the overstuffed hallway closet, which would burst with a cacophonous downpour of stuff when anyone opened it.)
The radio episodes being re-created include “”Fibber The Magician” (1948), “Molly the Dressmaker” (1949), “Fibber and Molly Braid a Rug” (1952), and “Fibber and the I.R.S.” (1952).
The actors of Special Mark Productions play roles originally made famous by Marian and Jim Jordan, Harlow Wilcox, Harold Peary, Gale Gordon, Bea Benedaret, Arthur Q. Brian, Bill Thompson and Cliff Arquette. The series’ head writer and co-creator was Donald Quinn. “Fibber McGee and Molly” would have endured into the 60s, but for Marian Jordan’s failing health. Now, for one more night, you can see what all the fun was about.
At Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Free parking behind theatre. Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 7 p.m. Tickets: $20. Seniors (65+) and students (13-17), $17. Children 12 and under, $12. Reseervations: (626) 355-4318 or www.sierramadreplayhouse.org