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Content Warning: Violence

Anchors Bob Tunley and Fran Mercer are the iconic voices behind radio\u2019s KLWP News Hour \u2014 but today, they\u2019ve become the story. As bizarre and menacing soundbites interrupt their live broadcast, the studio crew begins to fear that they\u2019re under attack.\xa0

Mark Brokaw (Broadway\u2019s How I Learned to Drive, Cinderella) directs Obie winner Eisa Davis (Passing Strange, PoA\u2019s Gun Show), Tony nominees Jeremy Shamos (Clybourne Park, PoA\u2019s Hedgehog Years) and Steven Boyer (Hand to God, PoA\u2019s Human Resources), and Tony winner Katie Finneran (Noises Off, PoA\u2019s La Traviata) in FAKE NEWS by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, PoA\u2019s Wildwood Park). After the episode, host Claudia Catania talks with the artists about writing plays specifically for audio and how these genius actors were able to play around with different accents and impressions on such short notice.

Doug Wright\u2019s FAKE NEWS is Part One of a two-part thriller that continues next week with Rajiv Joseph\u2019s CLEAN SLATE. Both pieces are world premieres through Playing on Air and Axe-Houghton Foundation\u2019s annual Wordsmith Duo Project, which invites two extraordinary playwrights to explore a shared theme or story through original, partnered plays.

Playing on Air is a non-profit, listener-supported production. To help support our fall season, visit\xa0https://playingonair.org/donate. Thank you for listening!