“War of the Worlds” invasion continues at Mars Theater
It’s the end of the world as we know it as Back Alley Production presents The War of the Worlds, a live stage adaptation based on the H.G. Wells novel. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 14-Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m. There will be a special Halloween show at 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29. Patrons who come to the Halloween show in costume will receive free refillable popcorn throughout the night.
The War of The Worlds details the horror of an alien invasion that threatens to drive mankind into extinction, and how ordinary humans must confront their own mortality in the face of impossible odds. As the world falls into chaos, a science professor takes it upon himself to lead a handful of smalltowners to safety in a rural farmhouse. But as the group is increasingly isolated, they come to learn that several of their own are more dangerous than the monsters in the dark.
“The show is going to be a lot of fun,” director Christopher Smith said. “We’ve got the perfect backdrop for Halloween and a really diverse cast that’s created some interesting characters. We’ve created something that is the perfect treat of fun, suspense and fear. In our everyday lives, we might scoff and laugh at the idea of an alien invasion. But in the back of our minds we wonder ‘What if?’ That natural fear of the unknown is what fuels stories like War of the Worlds.”
The show will be immersive with sound effects, unique lighting, fog and more. Some scenes will employ the use of strobes. The production features a cast of 15 from the Chattanooga, Lafayette, Dalton, Cleveland and Calhoun areas. Though the show is open to the entire family, parents should be advised that much of the second act deals with horror elements, including scary scenes, intense fights and suspense. And yes, there will be aliens on stage.
“Our goal is to provide you with an uncomfortable uneasiness in your gut and down your spine,” Smith added. “It’s all about lighting, fog, sounds and playing on our natural fears. Creating something spooky and unsettling in a theater setting is very different from watching a scary movie. In the theater, the horror is happening right in front of you on the stage. Or next to you. Or behind you. It’s not happening up on a screen where it’s safe.” In other words, the faint of heart may want to bring a close friend if they get front row seating.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Purchase them online at backalleyproductions. org or at the box office day of show. For questions, call 706996-8350.