Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC) will open its 47th season, themed Truth and Illusion, with “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast,” written by Joe Landry and directed by Jamie Torcellini.

The reenactment of Orson Welles’ legendary 1938 radio drama will perform Wednesday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 26 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara.

Audiences are asked to step back in time to Oct. 30, 1938, and relive the legendary broadcast that sent the nation into panic.

The immersive 90-minute production (with no intermission) recreates the infamous radio drama that blurred the line between fiction and reality, fittingly opening ETC’s season theme of Truth and Illusion.

Audiences will witness the behind-the-scenes drama as a talented radio troupe performs H.G. Wells’ science fiction masterpiece live, complete with vintage sound effects, period music, and the raw energy that made Welles’ broadcast a cultural phenomenon.

“This production captures the magic and immediacy of live radio theater while exploring themes that feel remarkably relevant today,” said Scott DeVine, ETC’s executive artistic director.

“In an era when the line between truth and fiction is constantly questioned, Joe Landry’s brilliant adaptation reminds us of the power of storytelling and media to shape public perception,” he said.

“Jamie Torcellini brings his exceptional directorial vision and deep understanding of theatrical craft to create an experience that is both historically fascinating and thoroughly entertaining,” DeVine said.

ETC is committed to ensuring that transformative theatrical experiences remain accessible to all Santa Barbara community members through its Community Pay What You Can Nights program.

The Pay What You Can performance for “War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast” is Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The initiative continues throughout ETC’s season, with Community Pay What You Can performances on Dec. 3 for “The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged;” Feb. 4 for “The Shark is Broken;” April 1 for “A Night With Janis Joplin;” and June 3 for “Every Brilliant Thing.”

The “War of the World” production features four performers bringing multiple characters to life:

Richard Baird as Freddy Filmore/Orson Welles, an award-winning actor who was last seen as Angelo in ETC’s Measure for Measure and has appeared in 51 Shakespeare productions;

Matthew Floyd Miller as Harry Haywood, whose Broadway credits include “The Cottage” (directed by Jason Alexander), “Not About Nightingales” (directed by Trevor Nunn), and “The Invention of Love” (directed by Jack O’Brien).

Ashley Margaret Morton as Lana Sherwood, making her ETC debut with touring credits including “Legally Blonde” (Paulette) and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (Mama Who).

Bryan Daniel Porter as Jake Laurents, who was recently called the “MVP of Performers” by Variety Magazine for leading the L.A. Revival of “Reefer Madness”

The design team includes: Stephen Gifford (scenic design), recipient of the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle’s Bob Z Award for Career Achievement in Set Design; Jared A. Sayeg (lighting design), nine-time Ovation Award nominee; Kate Bergh (costume design), whose work has earned LADCC Awards and Ovation nominations; James Ard (sound design), a specialist in immersive productions; Kevin Williams (properties design), whose experience includes work with Walt Disney Imagineering; and Jeff Gardner (foley artist), an Ovation Award-winning audio craftsman.

Kristal Georgopoulos serves as production stage manager.

Ticket prices range from $40-$104. All patrons ages 35 and under are always $35. Student tickets are $25. Single tickets available through the ETC ticket office, 805-965-5400, or visit etcsb.org. Prices subject to change.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CALENDAR LISTING:
 
WAR OF THE WORLDS: THE PANIC BROADCAST
By Joe Landry
Directed by Jamie Torcellini
 
Previews on Wednesday, October 8 (Community Pay-What-You-Can Night),
Thursday, October 9 at 7:30pm & Friday, October 10 at 8:00pm
 
Opens on Saturday, October 11 at 8:00pm (Press Opening)
Runs: Wednesday, October 8 – Sunday, October 26, 2025
Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm,
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm,
and Sundays at 2:00pm
 
Added performances on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:30pm,
Saturday, October 18 at 3pm,
Wednesday, October 22 at 2pm,
Saturday, October 25 at 3:00pm.
 
The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara.
90 minutes with no intermission Appropriate for all ages
Ticket Prices range from $40 – $104
All Patrons 35 and under are always $35. Student tickets are $25. Prices subject to change.
Ensemble Theatre Company at The New Vic 33 W. Victoria Street in Santa Barbara
For tickets — visit www.etcsb.org or call (805) 965-5400