The “theater of the mind” experience has been mostly lost to commercial radio listeners since the the passing of the CBS Mystery Theater which last aired in the 80's. However the Internet has provided an alternate route for listening to full cast audio productions. One such online alternative is Misfits Audio. Since 2006, Misfits founder John Tadrzak a 100% disabled veteran from Ohio, his service dog Duncan and five volunteer cohorts began producing original dramas, and recreations of classic radio shows that have fallen into the public domain. Examiner asked Tadrzak if that's to avoid possible legal action over possible copyright violations. Tadrzak has a straightforward answer: “Unlike other sites that may want to take the chance of having to collect nasty letters, I would say yes.”
A scan of the Misfits directory reveals something for almost everyone's taste. “Strange Stories” is a fantasy series authored by award winning author Mike Murphy which will remind listeners of a certain age of Rod Serling's classic “Twilight Zone” or “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”. There are loving recreations of old time radio classics such as the slyly sexy “Thin Man” and the rootin' tootin' western action of “The Lone Ranger” and “Tales of the Texas Rangers”. There are also adaptations of young people's classics such as the adventures of “Captain Horatio Hornblower” or Tadrzak's side-splitting send up of “Star Trek” called “Star Rabbit Tracks” where Captain Kirk and crew are replaced by rabbits for a series of hare-raising adventures.
Unlike some audio production troops who either concentrate on a single show and/or release on irregular schedules, Tadrzak attempts to release new content every Monday. While everyone involved with Misfits works as a volunteer, the company maintains very high standards, with very few of the cringe-inducing moments that are a hallmark of any amateur production company either on line or on stage. Misfits members are scattered around the United States, Canada and Europe, tied together by the Internet and a love for audio drama.
Since no one's making any money, Captain John, or Cap, as he likes to be called, says there's a simple way to reward all the work he and his friends do. "all we ask people to do is check us out, see our Archives,and if you like what you hear, tell your friend at Facebook, tweeter, and any other way you communicate to come and visit us. Misfits Audio is also on Facebook."
If you'd like to learn more about Misfits Audio click here.
(Full disclosure: the author of this article has participated in numerous Misfits productions both as voice actor and post-production editor.)
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