Brownstone Theatre

At the beginning of February, one of our lovely members of RUSC, Linda, posted a comment about a series called Brownstone Theatre, which said "Wish there were more of these..."

Well, I love it when we receive comments like that, because it gives me a little challenge to try and find more of what you like.

If you enjoy listening to a good play, then you'll love Brownstone Theatre! 

Mutual’s Brownstone Theatre premiered on February 21st 1945 as a nostalgic nod to the many classic Broadway and off-Broadway plays that were often produced in brownstone theatres much like Mutual’s own Longacre Theatre. 

It's first cycle of sixteen, half-hour productions began with an adaptation of Charles Klein’s 1905 sensation, The Lion and The Mouse, which you can listen to on RUSC.

Following a two-week break, the series returned on Sunday evenings with Edward Rose’s 1919 hit Cappy Ricks. Thereafter followed another eleven productions, ending with yet another revival of Richard Sheridan’s timeless comedy The Rivals in September 1945. 

Starring stage icons such as Walter Hampden - who was of course, brilliant - Jackson Beck, Jane Cowl, Les Tremayne, Jan Miner, Gertrude Warner and Neil Hamilton turned in equally inspired performances during the short-lived series. 

There are only twelve episodes of the Brownstone Theatre extant, and we currently have six of these. I'm still searching through our archives to see if I can dig up the remaining six. 

Happy listening my friends,