Quicksilver Radio Theater's THE SPECKLED BAND in The World of Sherlock Holmes Forum

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Quicksilver Radio Theater's THE SPECKLED BAND

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Count Gamula	Quicksilver Radio Theater's THE SPECKLED BAND	Lead	[-]
Jul 10 08 7:14 AM Burgomaster Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Our own Craig Wichman portrays Sherlock Holmes in the Quicksilver Radio Theater production of THE SPECKLED BAND. It will be webcast on the internet in September but you can hear it now at Public Radio Exchange at http://www.prx.org/pieces/25730. You will need to register at the site before listening but it is quick and free. This is an excellent production by the same group that brought you last year's outstanding audio adaptation of FRANKENSTEIN so please give it a listen. QUICKSILVER RADIO THEATER presents "THE SPECKLED BAND" (By Permission of The Estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) In the most terrifying of all of the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Great Detective and The Good Doctor are pitted against a psychotic villain in a race against time to stop the bizarre murders in an eerie country manor! Directed by Jay Stern (THE CHANGELING), and adapted by Producer Craig Wichman from Doyle's own favorite story, and his rarely produced play "The Stonor Case". Mr. Wichman (THE DEVIL YOU KNOW) as Holmes, and John Prave (PEARL THEATRE) as Watson; with Katie Nutt (B'way's SCARLET PIMPERNEL), Vito LaBella (C.A.T. THEATRE), Joseph Franchini (FRINGE FESTIVAL), and Ghislaine Nichols (BBC RADIO). Music by TONY AWARD winner Mark Hollmann (performed by "Musical Chairs," & Bernadette Fiorella of NEW YORK CITY OPERA); Sound Effects by Sue Zizza & David Shinn (SUE MEDIA); Engineered by Dominick Barbera & John Kiehl (SoundTrackNY). Produced before a live audience at The Museum of Television and Radio (Paley Center for Media), NYC Winner of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters' "GOLDEN REEL" for Audio Drama "The best American portrayer of Sherlock Holmes that we have today." -William Nadel, "Baker Street Irregulars" Kerry Gammill www.monsterkid.com
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Wich2		#1	[-]
Jul 10 08 7:53 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thanks so much, Count. You guys at the top, and many members too, have been so kind about our stuff, that I wanted to give the CHFB a little sneak peek treat. Hope you all enjoy! Best, -Craig W. (P.S.- Wonderful tweak of our little graphic, Kerry; what are you, some kind of artist or something?)
HalLane		#2	[-]
Jul 10 08 8:05 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I've had the very great pleasure of listening to this marvelous work several times already, and it is outstanding. Craig Wichman is my new favorite Holmes.
Wich2		#3	[-]
Jul 10 08 8:55 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	"Careful. Watson - my blushes!" Hal, that means a very, very great deal to me, coming from someone who knows his oats like yourself. These shows are labors of love (Lord knows, no way to make money...), and I am fiercely proud of the work our gang does. Jay is an excellent actor's director, and Katie in particular shines in this one, as does the stalwart John Prave as The Good Doctor. For myself, I consider it a sort of sacred honor to play a role like Sherlock. Thanks again, -Craig W.
rogueevolent		#4	[-]
Jul 10 08 10:34 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I concur Hal, but in my enthusiasm (I just got through listening to this radio gem) I can now proclaim: "oh yes, there was Rathbone and Brett....but now there IS Wichman!! Wichman IS Holmes." Of course, 'The Speckled Band' has always been one of my favorites in the canon. Also Craig, neat kudos from both Leonard Maltin and Wm. Nadel (Baker Street Irregulars) on the Public Radio Exchange site. It was also neat that you included that on-air brief radio comment from Sir. Arthur himself at the conclusion of your radio play. WHAT A WINNER. best, Rogue "We didn't come here to fight monsters, we're not equipped for it" -- Richard Carlson (Creature from the Black Lagoon)
Wich2		#5	[-]
Jul 10 08 10:45 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Rogue, thanks so much; I can only say that we work hard - and take the medium seriously (something which seems to be lacking in a lot of Youtube-style, roll-your-own Modern Audio Drama.) Hope John Prave's "Watson" didn't bother you! All best, -Craig W.
rogueevolent		#6	[-]
Jul 10 08 10:49 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Mr. Prave was excellent (er, he's no Nigel Bruce mind you ) "And what a grand thing that is" sigh 99.999% of Holmes' afficianados Cordially, Rogue "We didn't come here to fight monsters, we're not equipped for it" -- Richard Carlson (Creature from the Black Lagoon)
Wich2		#7	[-]
Jul 11 08 7:51 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Glad John's turn as "John" worked for you, Watson-Fan Rogue! I expecially like his work in the Inquest scene (from THE STONOR CASE.) He's opposite Joseph Franchini there, who went on to do a terrific job as the villian in THE BLUE CARBUNCLE (and who was such a good "Victor" in our FRANKENSTEIN: MODERN PROMETHEUS.) With a smile for lovable old Willie Bruce, Great weekend, all! -Craig W.
sirharryflashman		#8	[-]
Jul 12 08 9:55 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Just back from holidays. Having internet connectivity problems at the moment, but a tech is due on Monday so looking forward to listening as soon as my issues are resolved! Cheers, Charles Prepolec Gaslight Grimoire: Fantastic Tales of Sherlock Holmes available October 2008 BakerStreetDozen.com: Sherlock Holmes in Film, Books and Media
Wich2		#9	[-]
Jul 13 08 7:07 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Good luck with The Beast, Charles! (These damn machines are curse as much as blessing!) Look forward to hearing what you think... Best, -Craig W.
sirharryflashman		#10	[-]
Jul 14 08 8:58 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Well, since my low signal issue seems to have resolved itself I listened to it this morning before going to catch Hellboy. Hats off to you for bringing such an interesting and lively adaptation before the mic! Nice move making use of ACD's The Stonor Case instead of just a straight adaptation of the Canonical tale too. Certainly a bit more to chew on, particularly for you in the role of Holmes. Some cute touches there like the "Gillette & Rathbone of Brett Street" bit made me chuckle. I thought your voicework as Holmes was energetic and you managed a superior knowing quality while avoiding coming off as irritatingly smug. You make a fine radio Holmes! On the down side, well, lets just say that I was less than enamored with the voicework for Watson and Roylott. On the whole though, a very enjoyable, charming and lively production that worked well for me! Cheers, Charles Prepolec Gaslight Grimoire: Fantastic Tales of Sherlock Holmes available October 2008 BakerStreetDozen.com: Sherlock Holmes in Film, Books and Media
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Wich2		#11	[-]
Jul 15 08 6:23 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dear Charles- Sincere thanks for the kind words. When I was adapting the story, I found that though Sir Arthur's forte was prose more than the drama, he had made some constructive choices when he took his story onstage. As well, I have found in doing several of these that the original stories time out LONGER than 30 minutes when dramatised faithfully (I find most OTR productions to be a bit too compacted/rushed) - but still a bit short for our one-hour slot. So the expanded material was a welcome fit. And it is gratifying to hear that you heard my Holmes much as I hoped listeners would (and as I think ACD intended.) As far as other voicework, I can only say that our cast included one actual Brit, among performers from such far-flung fields as California, the Midwest - and Brooklyn! All best, -Craig W.
Rick		#12	[-]
Jul 24 08 11:48 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Finally got to listen today, thanks to housesitting for a friend not cursed with dial-up. It was a really terrific job with particularly strong performances from our own Craig Wichman and the ladies in the cast (as an actor myself, I know I really should have gotten their names--sorry). Craig is a particularly human and forceful Sherlock, with a terrific radio voice. And his adaptation was also top notch. I have to admit that I'm not a big radio listener, Old Time or otherwise, but this made for a truly enjoyable (almost-) hour. Great work, Craig and all.
Wich2		#13	[-]
Jul 25 08 10:16 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thanks from a heart grateful to a fellow thespic-type, Rick. Katie Nutt (of B'way's SCARLET PIMPERNEL, and also our "Mary Todd," & "Portia") was the wonderful Enid Stonor; the BBC's Ghislaine Nichols was "Mrs. Hudson," "Helen Stonor," & more (and also a sublime "Mrs. Cratchit" for us); and The Wife, New York City Opera's Bernadette Fiorella, was Soprano Soloist. Again, thanks. -Craig W.
gfanikf		#14	[-]
Aug 20 08 7:11 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Produced before a live audience at The Museum of Television and Radio (Paley Center for Media), NYC Well dear, I wish I had know anything to get me out of NEWARK, especially when its the good Doctor. I just signed up at PRX and am downloading as I write. I'm going to review it when I'm done on the site. Few people know about the fact that great radio plays are still being done and thats a damn shame! HK AND CULT FILM NEWS Your source for all the latest Hong Kong and Cult Films DVD News and Reviews! I actually said he was da bomb but my main man Dennis didn't peep me right.- Tom "Big Daddy" Weaver. Last Edited By: gfanikf Aug 20 08 7:16 PM. Edited 1 times.
gfanikf		#15	[-]
Aug 20 08 9:16 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Excellent, Excellent, Excellent! What a joy to listen after dinner, I have to say the best type of performance is where you need little description, but can easily imagine what is occurring in your head, because of the acting of the players (over description in a play can sometimes be a fatal error). In this case Craig Wichman and John Prave do an excellent job of bringing Holmes and Watson to live in a world full of danger, mystery, and excitement. The dialogue is quick and witty and stays true to Dolye's heroes and is well worth the time to setup an account and give a listen. I never heard The Speckled Band performed before, but I pity whoever comes next and must try too best it! I plan on expanding it a little and adding it to my website. Wonderful job Craig! HK AND CULT FILM NEWS Your source for all the latest Hong Kong and Cult Films DVD News and Reviews! I actually said he was da bomb but my main man Dennis didn't peep me right.- Tom "Big Daddy" Weaver.
Wich2		#16	[-]
Aug 22 08 10:42 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Ian, you're very kind. I'm fiercely proud of the work our gang does, and this kind of response makes the hard work worthwhile. Sincere thanks, -Craig P.S.- A few of us are doing a live (though simpler) DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER here in town soon...
Lawrence Nepodahl		#17	[-]
Aug 23 08 6:07 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hats off to you for bringing such an interesting and lively adaptation before the mic! Nice move making use of ACD's The Stonor Case instead of just a straight adaptation of the Canonical tale too. Certainly a bit more to chew on, particularly for you in the role of Holmes. Some cute touches there like the "Gillette & Rathbone of Brett Street" bit made me chuckle. I thought your voicework as Holmes was energetic and you managed a superior knowing quality while avoiding coming off as irritatingly smug. You make a fine radio Holmes! On the down side, well, lets just say that I was less than enamored with the voicework for Watson and Roylott. On the whole though, a very enjoyable, charming and lively production that worked well for me! I listened to it last evening. I have to concur with what SirHarry said above. I'll add that it is difficult to achieve a natural British accent, when this is not how you normally speak. This was evident, especially with the woman in your production. The BIG plus, for me, was this adaptation of a canon story I've heard done by soooo many audio actors, making it...dare I say- "Fresh!"
Wich2		#18	[-]
Aug 24 08 8:34 AM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Many thanks, Lawrence! Yes, as someone said long ago, acting chops and accent mimicry are two separate gifts, and not all performers have both, or have them to the same degree (some don't have either!) Witness Spencer Tracy as a Brit, John Gielgud as a Texan, etc. I'd be lieing if I didn't admit that the States voice of many folks in TV shows shot Up North slips a bit, to me ears... I do hope you feel the cast had the "chops" part down? I feel that Katie Nutt as one sister, and Ghislaine Nichols (who is English) as the other, did brilliantly on that score. Thanks for the kind words about my writing, as well. As mentioned, the script is my own brew, mixing both Doyle's prose story and play. And as far as its "freshness," credit the cast & director, as well. That's one of our First Rules: "Play the material as if it's just now happening to real people, not as if its Holy Writ." Best, -Craig W. Last Edited By: Wich2 Aug 24 08 8:36 AM. Edited 1 times.
Lawrence Nepodahl		#19	[-]
Aug 24 08 1:54 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Say Craig: Have you and your troupe ever thought of doing any of the Solar Pons stories? I've always wanted to hear radio adaptations of a few of these August Derleth tales.
Wich2		#20	[-]
Aug 24 08 5:38 PM Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	We try to vary things - and haven't done a full-out show in a while...
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