Curtain Closes on “The Last Great Radio Show”

Jitters were nowhere to be seen as the young thespians readied themselves for their final performance. Instead, as some chatted quietly, still others joked and laughed, roaming about the room, burning-off excess energy before taking the stage. 

Overseeing and partaking in the fun was the play’s director and producer, Gina Sisbarro, owner and founder of Marco’s Sisbarro Acting Studio and the author of its latest production “WROB The Last Great Radio Show.” Held at Marco Island Charter Middle School, the play’s run of four shows ended recently. The production was free to the public as part of the community’s Christmas Island Style celebration. 

The boisterous scene was no surprise given the 12-member cast’s ages, which ranged from middle school age to college, and in the close relationships many of them have developed from years participating together in Sisbarro’s studio.

“I have to say that this cast has really gelled,” said Sisbarro, who writes all of the studio’s productions. “You can tell they love one another. They support one another. You can tell in the performance because there’s not one weak link. They’re all good. I’m very proud of them. They worked hard.” 

A blend of comedy and musical “The Last Great Radio Show” tells a tale set in the 1950s when America’s teens were clamoring for rock-and-roll to take over radio airways. A station manager sees the writing on the wall, change or shut down, like other New York stations that rejected the new sound. 

But the owner views things differently, worried about unhappy parents flocking to his door. Ultimately, the station staff concocts a plan to introduce rock-and-roll and send the ratings skyward. The production features a mix of classic golden oldies, from Glen Miller to Peggy Lee, to groundbreaking fifties rock Elvis Presley to Little Richard, and others performed by the cast.

Marco Island Academy sophomore Jac Lamb has participated in the studio’s play’s for five years. She said that while she enjoys the actual performances, she’s most taken with the work that a production requires. 

“I’m not much for the outcome,” she said. “I like the process of it, being around my friends and actually getting the show together.”

Lamb’s sentiment about interpersonal warmth among cast mates was echoed by several of her cast mates. 

“Definitely rehearsing” was Joaquin Perez’s response when asked what was most special about his “Last Great Radio Show” experience. “They’re definitely some of the most diverse people I’ve ever met. Some of them are a lot. Some of them are less,” added the eighth grader at the St. Ann Catholic School in Naples through a smile. 

The remark drew chuckles from everyone within earshot, leading Sisbarro to laugh and ask, “What’s ‘a lot’” while someone from across the room chimed-in toward Perez with a good-natured, “You’re a lot.”

This was the very first play Andrew Meyers, 17, had ever done. He felt drawn to take part after having taken theater classes at MIA and reading the script. Learning his lines was a bit of a challenge, but not the songs, said Meyers, who thoroughly enjoyed being on stage and the rehearsal process. 

“I’ve enjoyed all the people around me,” he said. “We have a lot of talent in the play. When I’m performing, I really enjoy hearing the people laugh and making their day. It’s just been a lot of fun.” 

Alya Vatanserver, 12, has been part of the studio since she was 7. “I like being able to portray different characters and the crew members and Gina,” she said. “It’s just a good environment.” 

The seventh-grade pupil at Gulf Coast Charter Academy South in Naples expressed sadness knowing the about-to-start matinee would be the final performance. But she was already looking forward to the next production. 

“I know that I’ll get to see them again,” she said. 

To learn more about the Sisbarro Acting Studio visit sisbarroactingstudio.com/.