The Carroll Players are taking the show on the road.
For the group's latest production, the community theater troupe will perform two 1940s-style radio shows — one a suspense/mystery, "Sorry, Wrong Number," the other a romance, "The Shop Around the Corner."
The troupe will kick off the first of nine performances Friday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m., at Baldwin's Station, 7618 Main St., Sykesville. The restaurant is offering a three-course meal and a show ticket for $55.
"We've always been fond of theater," said Christopher Santiago, events coordinator and assistant general manager at Baldwin's. He said Baldwin's has hosted murder mystery productions and live musical groups in the past. "We are far much more than dining here. We like to give people an experience."
The troupe will also perform at Baldwin's Nov. 25 and Jan. 20. Other dates include Oct. 9 and 15 at 8 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 109 Main St., in Reisterstown. Go to http://www.carrollplayers.com for more details and schedule updates.
"Being a classic 1940s radio show, an audience that would appreciate this kind of show would probably be found in an older venue," performer Cassandra Casey said.
Those in the production say both of the radio show vignettes are perfect for the road.
"It's easy to take on the road," cast member Bob Herbertson said. "Just period costumes, old-style microphones and the sound effects. Depending on how good or how bad (we perform), it's easy to pack up and run out."
Since its beginnings in 1973, the Carroll Players have performed two shows every year. As locations changed, so have the performances. When shows were at the VFW, the group offered a dinner along with the show. Smaller performances have been held at Gypsy Tea Room and the Carroll Arts Center has hosted productions, as well.
"We tend to do comedies for the most part, " Herbertson said. "Musicals are too expensive. The high schools have cornered the market on musicals. They have millions of cast (members) and everybody gets a part. They tend to have a built-in band, too."
New cast members will join the show in November, offering a second set of Players to participate.
"Because performances are September through January, it was impossible to have the same six people for every performance because of people's schedules," Herbertson said.
The transition should be easy, as the actors don't even have to memorize their lines. Just like a true radio show, the scripts are in front of the performers — which is both a benefit and a challenge.
"Technically, it is easier," cast member Charlie Cowles said of not having to memorize.
"I memorize really quickly," Casey said. "It's harder not to memorize. I lose my place."
Casey loves that she can change characters without having to bat an eye.
"I am an old lady and a young lady in one night," Casey laughed, adding happily. "I don't have to get in old age makeup!"
For more details on The Carroll Players' productions of "Sorry, Wrong Number," and "The Shop Around the Corner," go to http://www.carrollplayers.com.