Photo of Orson Welles meeting with reporters in an effort to explain that no one connected with the 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast had any idea the show would cause panic. Credit: Acme News Photos / Public domain

Photo of Orson Welles meeting with reporters in an effort to explain that no one connected with the ‘War of the Worlds’ radio broadcast had any idea the show would cause panic. Credit: Acme News Photos / Public domain

There’s no doubt that, at times, parts of the last six months have felt ominous, if not downright apocalyptic. St. Petersburg’s freeFall Theatre isn’t ignoring that fact as it prepares to safely welcome back fans of live theater.

Last week, freeFall announced that it’ll return to staging in-real-life performances on October 23 when it presents a drive-in, all-new adaptation of “War of the Worlds.” The production—inspired by Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 radio broadcast—runs through November 22, and will happen on an outdoor stage as the audience members drink in the performance from their vehicles.

“Combining live musical and variety performance, radio storytelling, and multimedia elements, the radio show being created live will be broadcast to your vehicle via its radio or your smart device via a free app,” freeFall, which is located at 6099 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, wrote in a press release.

Tickets for all 23 performances went on sale this week by web and phone (727-498-5205) only.

There are $99 “premium” admissions that will park in one of the five central spots in each of the two rows of parking available. When it comes to the $75 admission (good for one vehicle with up to four occupants), the released added that, “To ensure the best possible experience for all patrons, vehicles will be parked in the best available spot in the chosen section, based on the size of vehicle, on a first come, first served basis.”

COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place, and theater goers are asked to wear an effective face covering if they choose to leave your vehicle for any reason while parked at freeFall.

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This article appears in Sep 10-16, 2020.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...