Bethel Park's Vintage Radio Players take listeners back in time

When you listen to them talk, you can just picture it.

Just like in the good old days.

Members of the Vintage Radio Players re-enact scenes from the time there were no televisions.

People gathered around and listened to shows rather than watch them.

To picture it, think of those scenes from “The Waltons.” The family members gathered around the large radio to get the news of the day. The device was also used for shows such as the ones the Vintage Radio Players perform.

Currently an eight-member group led by director Jeanne Miller of Castle Shannon, they rehearse twice a month for about an hour at the Bethel Park Community Center.

“Listening to the radio as a child gave me a vivid imagination,” said Miller, as she unpacked the day’s script, “Fibber McGee and Molly Show: Fibber Gets His Hand Caught In a Bottle.”

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Vintage Radio Players member Angela Doughty of Upper St. Clair holds her script during a rehearsal of the radio comedy series “Fibber McGee and Molly.”

Miller has acquired many scripts from the 1940s and ’50s, from romances to mysteries. She has three suitcases full of them, as well as props such as coconuts to simulate horses galloping to for this show a milk bottle with coins in it – all to create sound effects.

Members sit around a table and read their lines.

“It’s all about timing, and you have to sound conversational,” Miller said. “This is a way to express yourself.”

The group had been apart for two years because of the pandemic, but is looking to get back to performing. They will travel. People can make a donation.

They rotate parts so everyone gets a lead role.

“The older audience members remember this stuff,” Miller said. “Radio creates something that television doesn’t.”

Miller became interested in leading such a group through volunteering with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council. She read commentary on the radio for people who are blind.

“I just love doing radio shows,” she said as she instructed the group to get ready to rehearse.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Vintage Radio Players member Angela Doughty of Upper St. Clair rehearses her part from the radio comedy series “Fibber McGee and Molly.”

Fibber McGee was played by Angela Doughty of Upper St. Clair. As per the episode’s title, he has trouble extricating his hand from a bottle. Visitors come by to help him.

“I could get a hammer and break the bottle, but I might hurt you,” said the character Molly, played by Millie Hutchinson of Upper St. Clair. “Plus, we put a 25-cent deposit on it.”

“This is getting to be an emergency,” Fibber said.

“What are you doing, building a ship in a bottle?” said a character played by Tracey Belle of Bethel Park.

“Try and unclench your fist,” Molly said to Fibber.

“What, and let go of the 35 cents?” he said.

Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review

Vintage Radio Players Director Jeanne Miller of Castle Shannon reads her part during the group’s rehearsal of the radio comedy series “Fibber McGee and Molly.”

Each script reading is half an hour. The participants usually read two scripts for a performance and will partake in trivia questions with the audience.

“It’s about telling stories,” Miller said. “It’s about doing something for the community.”

Being part of the Vintage Radio Players is a way for him to express his alter ego, said Fred Barnes of Scott, who also read old-time commercials.

“I am good at talking to myself so I absolutely enjoy this,” said Doughty.

When doing the shows, it is important to speak loud and clear, Belle said. They’ve been performing in personal care and nursing homes because many of the residents remember those radio shows. They get to hear, and see, the characters.

“I love being part of this creative group we improvise with each other,” said Richard Lerach of Collier. “The audience can see us, so we interact with them. They remember these radio shows.”

The rehearsals help them develop a rhythm with the speaking parts, Miller said. They work to make it conversational.

“Jeanne is so passionate about this group,” said Cathy Muscato, former director of the community center. “She is enthusiastic, and the goal is to provide enjoyment. And it’s a social activity.”

It’s also different than recreational activities such as athletics and arts and crafts, she said.

“Jeanne came to me with this idea,” Muscato said. “I had watched ‘The Waltons’ so I knew what she was talking about. It brings back memories, especially for the older people who didn’t have televisions.”