NPA to Recreate ‘War of the Worlds’ Broadcast

Join Noblesville Preservation Alliance on a journey back in time to a fateful evening in 1938 when many tuned in to hear the horrifying news of an invasion… an alien invasion.

In October 1938, Orson Wells and the Mercury Theatre on the Air presented a program that would prove to be one of the most memorable events in broadcast history: “The War of the Worlds.” Despite being presented as a radio play, many people thought it was a real news broadcast and widespread panic ensued. The aftermath of the broadcast led Wells to issue an apology, but one thing was clear: radio had real power.

And now, the Noblesville community has an opportunity to journey back to 1938 and experience “The War of the Worlds” as so many did on that night. Guests will embark on this journey to the past when NPA recreates this live broadcast on stage at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at Preservation Hall, 1274 Logan St., Noblesville. Seating is limited (the 7 p.m. show is sold out), as guests might expect of a time machine, so be sure to reserve your spots today.

Don’t worry, the event will return to 2022 at the end of the evening, carrying only memories of the past.

Also, upcoming, murder ballads enjoy a rich tradition in American folk music. Come celebrate Halloween during an entertaining evening exploring this music genre during “Murder in Noblesville” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 29 at Preservation Hall, with tickets $10 each.

More information can be found at PreservationHall.org/events and on Noblesville Preservation Alliance Facebook page.