ABOUT RACONTEUR RADIO

One of the "7 best things to do in New Jersey." The Star Ledger

"Family friendly, guerrilla theater..." The New York Times
"A cross between a medieval pageant wagon and a Kraftwerk concert..." Kyle Hartzwell, Recording Operations Specialist for NPR's Story Corps

Danielle as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz

Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of action and adventure? Want to get away from it all? Raconteur Radio's staged productions are designed to free you from the four walls of today for an hour of thrilling suspense, brave deed, and rollicking derring-do.

Raconteur Radio stages theatrical presentations of vintage radio plays, classic works of literature, and pop culture parodies for live audiences in a variety of venues throughout the Tri-State area: libraries, adult communities, senior centers, community/cultural centers, restaurants, bars, high schools, grammar schools, and, on occasion, private homes.

Raconteur Radio productions are staged around (and amplified by) an art deco "fat boy" and feature theatrical lighting, period costumes, vintage commercials, Golden Age radio equipment, and extensive sound effects. Productions require an 8' X 8' cleared space at the head of a room that can ideally go dark, easy access to an electrical outlet, four or five chairs, and a minimum of twenty minutes to set up.

Michael Jarmus as Starbuck and Laurence Mintz as Ahab in Moby Dick; Or the Whale at Crossroads Theater.

Raconteur Radio debuts a new show every month at the Old Franklin School, a historic one-room schoolhouse built in 1807.  The schoolhouse is located at 461 Middlesex Avenue in Metuchen. Many of these ticketed performances are free to librarians and event directors who have hosted RR in the past or are considering RR for an upcoming program. On occasion, Raconteur Radio hosts interactive, themed parties built around these debuts. (See "Upcoming.")

Michael Jarmus, Laurence Mintz, and Thom Boyer in The War of the Worlds at the Morristown Library.

Raconteur Radio also has an informal residency at The Players Club on Gramercy Park in New York City. The Players is a century old private club founded by Edwin Booth and Mark Twain. Past and present members include Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Lauren Bacall, Eugene O'Neill, Frank Baum, Christopher Plummer, Kevin Spacey, and Ethan Hawke. RR performs on the same stage once trod by Frank Sinatra and still used by Club member Tony Bennett. RR Club programs are open to the public.


Thom Boyer as Hank Morgan and Laurence Mintz as Merlin in Mark Twain's King Arthur at The Players.

To book a performance by Raconteur Radio, please contact raconteurbooks@gmail.com. Clients may select any play from our "Title Menu."  In certain instances, clients may also suggest titles  themselves (to meet specific thematic or seasonal needs).

Michael Jarmus and Laurence Mintz in The Time Machine.

Click HERE to view RR video. Click HERE to hear RR's Danielle Illario sing Goldfinger at our recent performance at The Players's Club. During the pandemic, we offered virtual presentations via Skype & Zoom; here's some clips: Sorry, Wrong Number (click here for preview), The Hobbit (click here for preview), The Wizard of Oz (click here for preview), and A Christmas Carol  (click here for preview).

For all inquiries, please contact raconteurbooks@gmail.com.