Radio Drama Portfolio

Number 13

Summary

A research chemist experimenting on animals has the tables turned in this thriller set in England during World War II. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF and KALW – 1991
• 50 stations in more than 25 states via The Radio Works U Network
• Canada, Africa, and Australia via the Canadian organization, La Bande Magnetique
• Radio Arts Festival in Belgium – 1992
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1993

Live Readings

• Read live on stage twice at charity events in San Francisco – 1994.

Co-writer

Fall, Don’t Splat

Summary

Inspired by “Wayne’s World” and the Bill & Ted movies, this slapstick comedy chronicles the turbulent skydiving expedition of Man and Dude, two goofy Los Angeles airheads. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1993
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1993

Writer | Associate Producer

Natural Selection

Summary

A crazy judge presides over the zany process of jury duty selection at Berkeley Municipal Court in this courtroom comedy with more than 25 speaking parts. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1993
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1994

Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Sci-Fi Comedy Extravaganza

Summary

This comedy special, which premiered locally on KUSF in May, 1994 and nationally on the Public Radio Satellite Network in October 1994, features three sketches with a science fiction theme. (30 min.)

Captain’s Log, Accidental

The crew of the starship Exitprise encounters one obstacle after another while attempting to deliver a vaccine to plague victims in this “Star Trek” spoof. 

Mysteries of the Universe

A tabloid TV news series examines the eternal question: which came first, the chicken or the egg? 

Remote Control

When an alien species detects life on Earth, they send their top cultural anthropologist to investigate. Will he decide to make contact?

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1994
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1994

Writer | Director | Associate Producer

All’s Fair In Love, War & Backgammon

Summary

A romantic pentangle and a vicious serial killer make life complicated for five friends competing in a World Championship Backgammon Tournament being held in San Francisco. This murder thriller, which at the time was the first play Shoestring had post-produced digitally by computer, features startlingly complex sound effects and cinema-quality production values. (60 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1994
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1995
• Berkeley: KPFA – 1995

Writer | Director | Associate Producer

The Woman In White

Summary

In the year 1850, Sir Percival Glide has returned to England from Australia to claim his inheritance: the London estate of Blackwater Park. But wait! He’s an imposter—a greedy psychopath with a thirst for death! This chilling gothic melodrama (adapted by Monica Sullivan) is based on the 1940 film, Crimes At The Dark House, itself an adaptation of Wilkie Collins’ The Woman In White. (60 min.)

Awards

National Federation Of Community Broadcasters’ Golden Reel Nominee For Best Radio Drama Production of 1995.

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1995
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1995

Director | Associate Producer

Dead On Arrival

Summary

Accountant Frank Bigelow is trying to solve a murder: his own! In a race against time, Bigelow travels from San Francisco to Los Angeles to unravel the tangled web of dishonesty and deception that will reveal his killer. Adapted from the classic 1949 film noir, D.O.A. (60 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1995
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1995

Director | Associate Producer | Adaptation

Deadline Dilemma

Summary

The pressure is on for Rebecca Star to solve the case of a vicious double homicide. The problem: her four prime suspects—a priest, a psychic, an actress, and a talent agent—all claim to have done it. Can Rebecca determine which suspect really is guilty of the crime before time runs out? (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1995
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1995

Director

Dear Ray, Why I Hate You

Summary

When San Francisco businessman Ray Pacer meets the woman of his dreams, he thinks he has found the road to happiness. But then the romance turns sour, and Ray finds himself on a different path, one which is bumpy, winding, and quite treacherous. (60 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1995
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1995

Writer | Director | Associate Producer

The Brian Situation

Summary

Brian Nelson—10 years old, hyperactive and retarded—has been living on the streets with 17-year-old run-away Kristine Hammond for nearly two weeks. Where is his family and why aren’t they looking for him? The paths of two dysfunctional families cross and collide in this intense drama. (60 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1996
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1996

Co-writer (with Nico Pemantle) | Associate Producer

Red Menace From Beyond The Stars

Summary

Is Walnut Creek, California being invaded by aliens or is eight-year-old Tommy Lucero’s hyperactive imagination just getting the best of him? This sci-fi comedy, set in the late 1950s, answers the question. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1997
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1997

Director

Sisters In Blood Only

Summary

When an old college chum is accused of murder, archeologist and part-time crime fighter Richard Becker dons his magic shroud to find the real killer. Episode #1 of the “Shroud” — a 1940s-style radio-noir series. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1997
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1997

Director

A Lover’s Sacrifice

Summary

While exploring a Mayan ruin in Mexico, two young lovers—an academic archaeoastronomer and a free-spirit surfer—discover that there’s a fine line between mythology and reality. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1998
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1998

Director

A Four Star Murder

Summary

Wisecracking private investigator Slick Bracer is hired to solve the murder of a wealthy Metropolisville restauranteur in this witty film noir parody—the first in a continuing series of “Slick Bracer” adventures. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1998
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1998

Director

The Tall Thin Short Fat Man

Summary

In episode #2 of the “Shroud” series, archeologist and amateur sleuth Richard Becker dons the mantle cloak of illusion to solve a string of baffling jewelry store robberies. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1998
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1998

Director

The Case of the Kidnapped Canine

Summary

When the FBI, Interpol, and local police can’t solve a string of dognappings in Metropolisville, the latest victim hires Slick Bracer, wisecracking P.I. extraordinaire, to find her beloved Bichon Frise. This comedy-mystery is episode #2 of the “Slick Bracer” series. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1998
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1998

Director

The Mystery of Some Murdered Guy

Summary

When Slick Bracer’s new partner is murdered before he can even report for his first day at work, the wisecracking P.I. extraordinaire vows to use all his wits and sarcasm to apprehend the killer. Episode #3 of the “Slick Bracer” series. (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1998
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1998

Director

Island of the Gods

Summary

While exploring a foreign planet, a team of archaeologists discovers ancient ruins on a deserted island. But is the island really deserted? This sci-fi thriller answers the question. (20 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1998
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1998

Director

Defaced

Summary

When the Medford Police fish a mutilated body out of the Rogue River—a young woman whose face is missing—they begin to wonder if there’s a connection to a respected professor of medicine, whose own daughter recently lost her face in a car accident. Adapted from the 1959 French horror classic “Les Yeux Sans Visage” (“Eyes Without a Face”). (30 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1999
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1999

Director | Adaptation

Intercom

Summary

What could be worse than carpooling to work every day with an annoying windbag who drones on and on about her favorite movie stars, her retired husband, and her gardening projects? Well, for one, mysteriously hearing her every word on your apartment’s intercom in the wee hours of the morning while you and your pregnant wife are trying to sleep. (60 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1999
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1999

Director

The Most Dangerous Game

Summary

A private luxury yacht is shipwrecked off the coast of a remote island, and the sole survivor, world-famous hunter Robert Rainsford, manages to swim to shore. On the island, he unexpectedly discovers an old fortress owned by the enigmatic Count Zaroff, a fellow hunter who offers Rainsford food, shelter, and the chance to hunt the most dangerous game. Adapted from the classic tale by Richard Connell. (60 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 1999
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 1999

Director | Adaptation

Say Goodbye

Summary

They say that fate is in the stars, that each of our years is planned ahead and nothing can change destiny. Is that true? How many times have you said, “I wish I could live this year over again?” This is the story of a woman who made such a wish at a magic time when the new year of a new century was just beginning. Now that wish is coming true—actress Sheila Page is going to live the last year of the last century all over again … but will she be able to change destiny and save her husband from a fatal gunshot? (90 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 2000
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 2000

Director

The Chase

Summary

Drifter and World War II veteran Chuck Scott thought he might get a modest reward when he returned the lost wallet of Miami gangster Eddie Roman. Instead, he gets drawn into a nightmarish world of love and death. (60 min.)

Broadcast Premieres

• San Francisco: KUSF – 2000
• Public Radio Satellite Network – 2000

Director

The Bed

A comic vignette in which a little boy embarks on an expedition to explore his bed and gets trapped under the covers.

3 min. – 1991 – Writer

Run, Don’t Walk

A comedy sketch in which Los Angeles airheads, Man and Dude, face the challenge of trying to rent a movie.

4 min. – 1992 – Writer

Skip, Don’t Jump

A comedy sketch wherein Los Angeles airheads, Man and Dude, try to alleviate their perpetual boredom by visiting a new basketball gym.

5 min. – 1992 – Co-writer

Table For One

A comedy sketch about a customer at a restaurant who gets more service than he can handle.

5 min. – 1993 – Associate Producer

The Society of People Who Overthink

A comedy sketch in which the founding members of a support group for overthinkers try to hold a board meeting.

4 min. – 1993 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Have A Nice Day

A comic vignette that features a businessman late for a meeting getting stuck in a phone booth.

7 min. – 1993 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Chit Chat

A comedy sketch in which a mysterious government bureaucrat is interviewed on a radio talk show.

4 min. – 1993 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Coming Soon

A mock movie trailer that spoofs “Jurassic Park”.

3 min. – 1993 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

The Boy In the Moon

A bedtime yarn in which a grandfather tells his young grandson the story of how the moon came to be.

8 min. – 1993 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Department of Overreaction

A comedy sketch chronicling the misadventures of a mild-mannered shopper in a crazy department store.

4 min. – 1994 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Department of Underreaction

A dying man tries to get help from 911.

2 min. – 1994 – Director | Associate Producer

More Chit Chat

A comedy sketch that finds “Chit Chat” host Trudy Smith interviewing the U.S. Postmaster General about a new U.S. Post Priority Mail Service.

5 min. – 1994 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Eggplant Is Funny

A comedy sketch in which “Chit Chat” host Trudy Smith interviews two renowned scientists about the latest research on vegetables.

5 min. – 1994 – Co-writer | Director | Associate Producer

Privacy

A comedy sketch in which an elderly couple mail orders the Juice-O-Matic TurboJuicer and attempts to enjoy it in the privacy of their own home.

6 min. – 1994 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

A Bird In the Hand

A comedy sketch in which “Chit Chat” host Trudy Smith interviews three people who claim to have proven some age-old proverbs.

5 min. – 1994 – Director | Associate Producer

1,000 Voices

A comedy sketch featuring renowned voice-over actor Sir Nigel Debernard discussing his 20-year acting career on the BBC with radio host Clarence Rhodes.

5 min. – 1994 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

B.O.A.

Writer Nico Pemantle’s spoof of the Shoestring radio drama “Dead On Arrival”.

1.5 min. – 1995 – Director | Associate Producer

Call-Dumping

A comedy sketch in which the phone company reveals its newest calling feature.

4 min. – 1995 – Director | Associate Producer

Yet More Chit Chat

A promotional spot for Shoestring’s website in which “Chit Chat” host Trudy Smith interviews a special guest.

1.5 min. – 1995 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Surf, Don’t Slip

A promotional spot for Shoestring’s website in which Los Angeles airheads Man and Dude try to alleviate their perpetual boredom.

1 min. – 1995 – Writer | Director | Associate Producer

Psychobabble

A comedy sketch in which a battle of oversized egos erupts when Doctor of Psychology Jamison and Doctor of Psychology Winston meet for a simple cup of coffee.

4 min. – 1998 – Director

Job Interview

Joan Resnick’s job interview at the Donosio Meat Company is anything but business-as-usual in this comedy sketch written by Frank Munnich.

6 min. – 1998 – Director

A Good Job Is Hard To Find

In this comedy sketch, it’s five years from this Monday … and for Richard Hall it’s his first day of work at Allied Surveillance in his new job as Personnel Manager. Did we mention that it’s Monday? It’s gonna be a doozie.

10 min. – 1998 – Director

Little Dreams

A chilling “Rod Serling-esque” short which explores what really is going on at the seemingly noble “Society for the Preservation and Endurance of Marine Life”?

5 min. – 1998 – Director

Real History: The Birth of Psychoanalysis

A comedy sketch in which writer Frank Munnich explores the beginnings of Psychoanalysis as Og, a Cro-magnon man, visits his therapist, a Neanderthal.

7 min. – 1999 – Director

Real History: Albert Schweitzer’s Charity Clinic

This installment of “Real History” — written by Frank Munnich — provides a startling look back at the charity clinic of Dr. Albert Schweitzer, renowned the world over for bringing free medical care to the poorest reaches of Africa in the first half of the 20th century.

7 min. – 2000 – Director