As a member of the Radio Theatre Project, I’m used to performing live at a microphone in front of a packed audience at The Studio@620. Tonight — RTP’s return after a long pandemic-induced hiatus — will be different. For the first time in the company’s history, the performance was taped in advance with no audience present, and will stream on the Studio’s Facebook page at 7 p.m.

In keeping with the season, the two radio plays on tonight’s program are a mix of spooky and sweet. In The Tears of San Lorenzo, by J. Weintraub and Nicola Lombardi, a visitor to a small Italian port town makes some new — and possibly dangerous — friends. The cast includes Lisa Tricomi, Dean Wick, Kathi Grau, Jacob Barrens and myself. In Tonight at the Stage Door, by Donald Loftus, the shutdown of Broadway leads to a surprising encounter between a night watchman and a refugee from West Side Story. Jim Wicker and Paul Wilborn co-star. Matt Cowley will work his usual sound-effects magic.

Also part of tonight’s program: a tribute to the late Richard Rice, a beloved RTP stalwart whose warmth and  wit made indelible impressions as both actor and director, often working with his wife, RTP founder Mimi Rice. (Read more about the couple’s contributions to the local and national theater scene in Mitzi Gordon’s profile for dRTB.)

After the show, the audience is invited to stick around for a party via Facebook Messenger Room, where we can video chat. Wear a funny costume, mask, wig, or come as you are. This whole adventure will be a new one for everybody (the actors will be seeing the show for the first time, too), so it’ll be good to connect.

To tune in, use this direct link to The Studio@620 Facebook Page. If you don’t see the program, try refreshing your screen.  If you miss it, the video will remain archived for viewing at your convenience.