Chelmsford Residents "ON AIR" in Old-Time Radio Show Fundraiser!

Voices of Hope is excited to announce their first venture into old-time radio—Arsenic and Old Lace, presented in the format of traditional radio serials with a hilarious story, spine-tingling music, and nostalgic jingles!

The original Broadway play starring Boris Karloff inspired the Cary Grant movie directed by Frank Capra. The stage play was adapted into a radio show format which Voices of Hope will present online this Thanksgiving weekend.

Five Chelmsford residents and members of VOH are participating. Diane Meehan portrays Martha Brewster, one of the two sisters who reside in the house where the story takes place. Kenny Meehan plays Mortimer Brewster, nephew of the two Brewster sisters, who is about to have his world turned upside down.

Roy Earley plays Dr. Einstein, a German plastic surgeon who is sidekick to the villainous brother Jonathan Brewster. Diane Earley sings retro-style jingles such as “Wear Your Mask” and “Give Today”. Safety was insured by stage manager and certified Covid compliance officer Karen Rogers.

Thanks to a grant Voices of Hope received earlier this year, VOH was able to adapt their rehearsal space and add a recording studio. The studio is Covid compliant with a dozen individual recording stations.

Also assisting the production with sound effects and as Special Guest Host is Jordan Rich.

Jordan has been a staple in the Boston broadcasting industry for decades. As the host of WBZ AM 1030 Radio's The Jordan Rich Show, his warm style and comforting voice reached listeners across the nation and beyond. Jordan's special features fill the WBZ airwaves and continue his tradition of excellence in radio programming.

Arsenic and Old Lace premiered on Saturday November 28th at 8pm.
And is now playing thru December 15th.
To listen in, visit: https://one.bidpal.net/arsenic...

During the time of Covid it’s been difficult for theatrical performers to do what they do best, perform live. And for a fundraising group which raises money through theatrical performance it is even harder knowing that they will fall far short of their fundraising goals this year.

Luckily, Voices of Hope is adapting and has gone virtual with several performances.
Recently VOH worked with Mass General Hospital to put together a music video which was used in this years' MGH fundraiser CenterStage. The show was streamed online November 13th and raised over 1 million dollars.

Here is the Voices of Hope video with narration by Jordan Rich. “You Will Be Found” from Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen is accompanied by the Ipswich High School Chamber Orchestra.

In December, Voices of Hope will present a Holiday Cabaret online, HOPE for the Holidays. This production will also be telecast on local cable stations including Chelmsford Telemedia.

Since 2009, Voices of Hope has donated $781,000 dollars to cancer research and over a half-million dollars directly to the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at the MGH Cancer Center. From 2009 to 2011, Voices of Hope supported the Belfer Institute for Applied Cancer Sciences at The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Check out the Voices of Hope website for more info… https://www.vohboston.org/