Sun City resident Janette Dennis resurrected “The Golden Age of Radio” with the show Vintage Voices on Huntley Community Radio, but her time as director is coming to a close.
“Vintage Voices was established under the leadership of then-President Myron Shellist and assisted by Bob Gienko, a board member. Allen Pollack was executive director of the station and first recording engineer for Vintage Voices shows. Jim Eggers has succeeded him.”
The Theatre Company of Sun City’s Vintage Voices reprises successful radio plays of the 1930s-60s, using the fresh talent of its actors directed . The Theatre Company of Sun City started research in December 2015 then in April 2016 aired its Vintage Voices show on Huntley Community Radio. Janette Dennis has served as a producer and director. Her husband, Ed, has hosted rehearsals and served as an announcer for every show.
Explaining her departure, Dennis said, “In August of 2015, just after beginning rehearsals for Oklahoma, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I underwent a single mastectomy in October and performed as Aunt Eller in November. Working in radio theatre helped me through several more surgeries and a full recovery. Working with radio shows allowed me to use my mind versus my body. Now that I’m healthy again, I’m looking forward to other activities both in and outside of the theatre. It’s satisfying to know that our shows may be heard any time on the website.”
Dennis also gives credit to other activities for her path to recovery. “My recovery has also been assisted by yoga classes here with Cathleen Chay, by leading my church, Trinity Lutheran in downtown Huntley, in its capital campaign, and by [most recently] taking up pickleball.”
Dennis’s last production, her 47th, will air in February on Sundays at 11 a.m. and on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Dennis is hoping that someone will assume the role and responsibility of keeping Sun City’s Vintage voices going.
Vintage Voices cast during recording. (Photo by Tony Pratt/Sun Day)
Vintage Voices
Vintage Voices shows air 11 a.m. Sundays and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays on 101.5 FM.
Anyone interested in joining the Sun City Theatre Company may contact Diane Scott at dianeolsenscott@gmail.com or attend its 9 a.m. Saturday, January 25 meeting in the Oak/Elm Rooms of Meadow View Lodge. Listen to Vintage Voices online at huntleyradio.com/hcr/vintage-voices
At the last rehearsal at Dennis’ home, the cast expressed their sentiments on Dennis’ final show.
“It’s very sad. It’s been so much fun,” said Judy Stage, who played lead roles in seventeen radio plays. “My family listens to me and it’s thrilling. I have a very distinctive voice. My grandson, after listening to one of the plays, said, ‘Grandma sounds like a Ding Bat.’ And that’s what I was going for.”
Tom Webster said, “It will be hard to match Jan’s talent and experience, but someone will take the role.” When asked how about you? Webster replied, “Not at all. I don’t have the organizational skills.”
Dennis said, “In all, more than forty-two percent, or sixty-one of the Club’s 145 members have acted in one or more radio roles over the past four years. The plays have become an opportunity for new actors as well as those who are not able or willing to appear on stage.”
The February production is Irma’s Trip to England and will debut on Tuesday, February 4. Directing the last rehearsal, Dennis reminds the cast of some must rules for radio, “Don’t touch the microphone, table, or stand. No cellphones. When you make a mistake, don’t say ‘I’m Sorry.’ Stop, take a breath, and start again. Don’t giggle. Your acting tool is your voice. Talk normally. Don’t Read. Walk softly.”
