Old Radio Favorites Recreated at Fundraiser

Kathy Grable and Bill Farmer at the 2016 International Family Film Festival Awards.

In an effort to find a unique way to assist the victims of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, La Crescenta Presbyterian Church is holding a 1940s-style live theater show on Sunday. Monies will go to aid victims in rebuilding their houses – and their lives ¬– after these monumental weather events. Funds will be forwarded to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistant Fund, which helps all people regardless of faith tradition.  

The show features the talents of Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy for the last 30 years as well as other iconic Disney characters; Joel McCrary, the voice of many video games and animation characters and on-camera in Disney Channel’s “Kickin’ It” and “The Princess Dairies;” Kathy Grable, who directs the show, will lend her voice talents as well, and is best-known as the voice double for Nicole Kidman and has been heard in hundreds of commercials and animation; Drew Roy, former “Hanna Montana” heart throb who is currently on “Falling Skies,” was just added to the cast. Rounding out the cast is Kevin Brief and Megan Watt. Brief is recognized for his large body of work, including his recurring character on “Criminal Minds.” He was recently featured in Laurence Fishburne’s radio drama, “Bronzeville.” Watt is a former Disney Live Show singer and performer. Master of ceremonies will be “Clean Comedian” stand-up, Robert G. Lee.  

Together, they will recreate old radio favorites like “The Lone Ranger,” “The Shadow,” “Red Rider,” and more in what they’ve named “The Old Timey, New Fangled Radio Show.” Live music with Grammy award-winning players will also be on stage for this family-friendly show, performing old gospel favorites and original ones by singer/songwriter Greg Perkins.  

Perkins, who’s also the show’s producer, said, “It’s worth the price of the ticket alone to come see the marvelous talents of Bill Farmer, but the rest of the cast is stellar as well. And all this while helping the victims of Harvey and Irma.”   

The show is presented by La Crescenta Presbyterian in conjunction with Word Merchant Media and starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24 in the main sanctuary at 2902 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta. A dessert reception will follow.  

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Call the church for more information at (818) 249-6137.