A ghostly adventure befalls Fountains residents in latest radio production

MILLBROOK — Building on the success of their first performance in August 2024, The Fountains Radio Workshop rolled out another mystery to capture the imagination and provide a few laughs at their latest production on Friday, May 2.

“Imagine the setting,” playwright, project director and Fountains resident Marge Wardrop told the over-capacity audience, introducing the radio play titled “Strange Encounter.” The performance was interrupted periodically by authentic old-time radio commercials, sparking nods of recognition throughout the audience.

This workshop performance added improvements such as live piano interludes by Lucy Bonaquist, computer sound work by Janet Robinson, and three people on live sound effects, Shelia Attlesey, Judy Buttinger and Pat Carr.

The six scenes of plot involve about 12 Fountains residents returning in a Fountains bus from an Albany conference on aging when a surprise snowstorm and mechanical failure interrupt their trip. The onset of chill in the bus and the spotting of a distant isolated farmhouse inspires them to hike through the snow to be taken in by an accommodating, although spooky, old Dutch farmer who offers shelter in his equally spooky farmhouse. They encounter the ghostly presence of an ancestor bemoaning the past loss of a piece of family jewelry that happens to be hanging around the neck of one of the Fountains visitors, a fancier of antique jewelry.

Undaunted by the spookiness of their situation, the Fountains residents accept the farmer’s offer of cider drinks and promptly doze off. Refreshed by their naps, they welcome the arrival of the State Police who have brought a luxury bus to see them home to The Fountains. Before leaving, the jewelry is generously returned to the ghostly ancestor, clearing the way for the state trooper to let everyone know that there was no house there at all, or any Dutch farmer, or anything.

Judging from the hearty audience approval, cheers and applause, The Fountains Radio Workshop will likely be encouraged to create more radio adventures for residents and visitors.