Sisters set to enjoy old-time radio

Join Irma, Jane, Al and the gang when Sisters Old-Time Classic Radio Experience performs a live, scripted radio show from "My Friend Irma" at The Belfry on Sunday, December 28, at 7 p.m. The ensemble, made up of Sisters and Tumalo actors, will also perform a show from a "Richard Diamond, Private Detective" broadcast.

Lisa Fetrow, co-director of the group, performed similar radio shows in Bend when she was a member of the former Around the Bend Players. She thought the radio shows would be well-received in Sisters. That theory was confirmed when the Sisters group debuted to a full house at The Belfry in October.

"The audience seemed to really enjoy it," Fetrow said. "There are quite a few people in town who love live theater but don't necessarily want to drive to Bend to see it. We're glad for the opportunity to perform in Sisters, and The Belfry is a great space for this type of show."

Many of the sound effects for the performance will be created on stage with props such as shoes and chains. The shows can be enjoyed by the entire family, Fetrow said. She added that while some members of the audience will remember listening to similar radio broadcasts and will enjoy the chance to reminisce, the younger generation may get a good laugh because the programs lean toward the melodramatic. "My Friend Irma" was broadcast from 1947 to 1954 and was so popular that a movie was made in 1949, starring Marie Wilson as Irma Peterson and John Lund as Al. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis appeared as well.

The cast for The Belfry performance includes Lisa Fetrow, Michelle Poutre, Leslie Newbold, Scout Miller, Robert Merola, Rhonda Schantz, Bruce Moon, Jim Hammond and Shawn O'Hern.

"We are definitely looking forward to a fun evening," said Fetrow. "We hope we can perform even more shows in the new year."

There is no charge to attend, though donations will gladly be accepted at the door. For more information visit http://www.belfryevents.com or call 541-318-5407.