39. The Show Must Go On
Ideas for future Radio Theatre adaptations.
By David Hilder | February 18, 2022
Ideas for future Radio Theatre adaptations.
By David Hilder | February 18, 2022
If you’re a parent looking for quality, family-friendly entertainment for your kids, Adventures in Odyssey is a dream come true. With nearly thirty-five years’ worth of content, totaling over 900 episodes, there’s enough to keep you and your family busy on the AIO Club for weeks and weeks. People of all ages can enjoy the show, even those far outside its target audience of 8 to 12-year-olds. But what happens when you’ve heard every AIO episode ten times? What happens when you have a teenager, looking for something a little deeper or more mature? Enter Focus on the Family Radio Theatre.
It’s true there are many Radio Theatre productions that are appropriate for all ages. Focus on the Family has produced family-friendly titles such as The Secret Garden, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Anne of Green Gables. But others are more geared to older listeners. Oliver Twist takes us to the dark, criminal underground of London, C.S Lewis’ classic The Screwtape Letters is narrated by a senior demon, and Les Misérables follows an ex-convict trying to reform his life in revolutionary France. World War II dramas based on the lives of notable Christians Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Corrie Ten Boom each delve into some dark times in history. The Father Gilbert Mysteries, an original series, features an Anglican priest-turned-detective who gets himself into a few spiritual battles in his quest for truth.
Though Christian entertainment can sometimes get a bad rap, these Radio Theatre stories are produced to the highest standards. Secular authorities recognize this. The drama on Bonhoeffer, for example, is the winner of a Peabody Award for excellence. And while it’s true that other organizations produce audio drama, such as the prominent and highly esteemed BBC, Focus on the Family has done something unique and, I would argue, revolutionary. They create movies for your mind. Your typical BBC production may involve some really top-notch actors, but usually has very minimal sound effects and music. But Focus on the Family has taken audio drama to new heights with its cinematic soundscape and music. Their sound effects are actually better than what you hear in movies because they have to compensate for the lack of visuals. They make the extra effort to immerse listeners in the story with every available audio tool. In my opinion, Focus on the Family produces the best audio dramas on the market.
And so, of course they should make more of them. I’ve compiled a list of ideas for future Radio Theatre productions. These are some stories that I would love to see produced because of their compelling storylines, uplifting moments, and enduring value. Here is my wish list, in no particular order:
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas
When lengths would you go to in order to see justice done? Would you seek revenge against someone who wronged you? The Count of Monte Cristo is a rollicking tale of adventure, betrayal, suffering, and redemption. It is widely recognized as a classic and was even briefly featured in the Adventures in Odyssey episode B-TV: Revenge. In the story our main character, Edmond Dantès, is accused of a crime he did not commit and is wrongfully imprisoned in the notorious French fortress, the Château d’If. Later he escapes and returns to society, disguising himself as a mysterious count in possession of great wealth. Is forgiveness possible? This tale holds the answer. It would fit well with Radio Theatre’s love of sometimes dark but ultimately uplifting stories.
Chuck Colson
Chuck Colson’s memoir Born Again reads like a movie. It opens in the ballroom of the Shoreman Hotel in Washington, D.C. as the victory party for President Nixon’s reelection kicks off. The occasion should be all smiles and rejoicing. But something is wrong. Our main character, Chuck Colson, Nixon’s trusted “hatchet man”, feels it in his bones. As the months pass, the Watergate allegations begin to surface. Bit by bit, Colson’s life starts to unravel. Someone has to go to jail for the Watergate break-in, and people are gunning for Colson. At his lowest point, a close friend gives Colson a copy of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Colson surrenders his life to Jesus and his life is forever changed. He ends up serving time in federal prison, but he takes his faith in God with him. He goes on to found Prison Fellowship, a Christian ministry operating in prisons around the world. Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program has even been featured in several AIO episodes. Dramatizing the life and legacy of Chuck Colson, his conversion, and the impact he has had on countless people, would be a great fit for Radio Theatre.
The Space Trilogy, by C.S. Lewis
Before C.S. Lewis wrote the famous Narnia fantasy series, he dabbled in science fiction. His Space Trilogy opens with Out of the Silent Planet, the far-flung journey of Dr. Ransom to the planet Malacandra where he races to stop another group of human visitors from enacting their villainous plans. The stakes are only raised in the sequels, culminating in an epic showdown between the forces of good and evil. The themes in these books about the dangers of “might makes right”, authoritarianism, and unethical science are more relevant today than ever. These books have never been adapted before, for radio or film, and deserve our attention.
War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy
Epic battles, romantic entanglements, calculating Russian aristocrats, and the conquests of Napoleon Bonaparte—War and Peace has it all. The story follows a large cast of characters as they navigate the changing landscape of imperial Russia. Will Natasha find her true love? Will Andrei make his father proud? Will Pierre find his purpose in life? The major events of the novel span nearly a decade and offer plenty of thrilling and suspenseful moments, all undergirded with Christian truth.
Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
Jesse Aarons, a kid in the fifth grade, was doing just fine until Leslie showed up. This new girl from out of town is pretty strange. She doesn’t even own a TV for crying out loud. As they get to know each other, Leslie turns Jesse’s world upside down with her boundless imagination. Together they create the fantastical land of Terabithia, a realm where the two of them rule as king and queen. In this magical tale Jesse and Leslie enjoy an unforgettable time together. It is a sweet story, but bittersweet as well. Parts of it would have to be crafted delicately, but I’m sure Radio Theatre could do it justice.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln appears in the two-part Adventures in Odyssey episode titled simply Lincoln. The episode focuses on the surrender General Lee and the events leading up to Lincoln’s assassination. But Lincoln's life was so much more than that. An audio drama based on his life could explore his family life and his relationship with his sons. It could touch on his own military service, his law career, his rise in politics, his leadership during the Civil War, his campaign against slavery, and his trust in divine providence for victory of the Union. This is a story that deserves to be told.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens
Paris is just over 200 miles away from London. Today you can fly that distance in less than an hour. But in the late 1700s, the events that swept over Paris made it seem a world away. Charles Dickens’ classic A Tale of Two Cities is an iconic retelling of the French Revolution. Our main characters, having travelled from England, find themselves in France as the Reign of Terror begins. Can they unravel the mystery behind a certain character’s past, and escape from the clutches of a woman known as The Vengeance? The story contains one of the greatest examples of sacrificial love that you will find in fiction. It is a must-read and could be powerfully brought to life in an audio drama.
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë
Jane Eyre is looking for a home, a place where she’ll be welcomed and accepted, loved even. Always on the move, from her aunt’s house to boarding school, to a mysterious manor, to the desolate moors of northern England, Jane encounters villains and saints, and many people in between. She falls in love with a Mr. Rochester, but the revelation of a dark secret threatens to turn their world upside down. Movie adaptations have endeavored to ignore the Christian themes and messages in the novel, which are central to Jane’s journey. A Radio Theatre audio drama could bring these themes to life once again.
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is beloved by Tolkien fans and, despite some changes from the source material, endure as an example of how to do a faithful adaptation. The Hobbit films, however, made more drastic changes from the source material and leave something to be desired. The BBC also created their own audio drama adaptation of The Hobbit in 1968, which unfortunately is not very engaging for modern listeners. This presents an opportunity for Radio Theatre to step in. The Hobbit is an entertaining, fantastical tale of adventure after adventure. A new audio drama could tap into the excitement and the drama, without losing the heart of the story. And since Adventures in Odyssey fans have already been introduced to the world of Middle-earth in the There and Back Again episodes (Season 4), this would be a natural fit.
Florence Nightingale
The Lady with the Lamp, Florence Nightingale, was a nurse who is remembered today as a civilian hero of the Crimean War. She travelled from her home in England to the far-off city of Constantinople and cared for wounded soldiers. She noticed that many died as a result of infection and unsanitary conditions at hospitals. It was her initiative that improved medical conditions throughout the profession and ended up saving the lives of tens of thousands. In her writings, Florence says she was called by God to do his work, which encouraged her to become a nurse. It would be lovely to hear her inspiring story as an audio drama.
Surprised by Joy, by C.S. Lewis
Radio Theatre has always had an affinity for all things C.S. Lewis. Their last production to date was C.S. Lewis at War, the story behind Lewis’s radio broadcast talks during World War II which eventually became the book Mere Christianity. So, it would make sense to dramatize Lewis’s autobiography, Surprised by Joy, as well. The book follows his early life, his spiritual journey, and his conversion to Christianity. I’m sure the story behind Lewis coming to faith would be a hit for listeners.
The Man Born to be King, by Dorothy L. Sayers
While C.S. Lewis was doing his famous BBC radio broadcasts, another Christian writer was also seeking to reach the British public via the airwaves. Dorothy L. Sayers wrote The Man Born to be King, a radio play based on the life of Jesus. The play was revolutionary in its day because rather than using the older language style of the King James Bible, it sought to adapt its language for 20th century listeners. Radio Theatre could tweak it slightly for modern listeners but still create a faithful reproduction of Sayers’ work.
Elijah Creek and the Armor of God, by Lena Wood
If you haven’t read the Elijah Creek and the Armor of God series, you need to. These seven books might be seen as middle grade fiction, but don’t let that fool you. They have a depth and spiritual maturity that is truly impressive. The series follows Elijah, a kid in junior high, and a group of friends as they find themselves on a quest to discover the location of six ancient pieces of armor scattered around the world. Mystery upon mystery takes these kids on some fascinating adventures as they learn to live out spiritual truths in their everyday lives. The series is not only exciting and action-packed, but thoughtful and profound. I’ve been reading and rereading these books for years and it would be a treat for me, and I think for listeners everywhere, to hear them adapted into audio dramas.
Father Gilbert Mysteries
Radio Theatre’s best original production has to be the Father Gilbert Mysteries. Each of the nine stories in the series follows Louis Gilbert, a former Scotland Yard detective turned Anglican minister, as he follows the clues and solves the mystery, which often involves some unexpected and spiritual elements. The audio series ends with Father Gilbert taking a step back from his ministry due to the revelations in the final episode. Later, writer Paul McCusker released some Father Gilbert novels in which Gilbert has returned. But what happened in between? That’s a question that it appears only a return to the audio drama series can solve. More Father Gilbert mysteries would be a long-awaited gift for fans of Radio Theatre. Personally, I’ve always thought a Father Gilbert Christmas special would be a welcome addition to the series. There’s so much potential for doing more with our main character and the rest of the people of Stonebridge in future episodes.
Focus on the Family Radio Theatre is something special. It retells the true stories of the abolitionist William Wilberforce, the gospel writer Luke, and the Native American Squanto. It brings to life the fantastic stories of A Christmas Carol and At the Back of the North Wind. And its Narnia productions remain the best adaptations of the series available. Radio Theatre creates dramas of the highest quality.
Or at least it used to. After what seemed like a golden age of audio drama, the last Focus on the Family Radio Theatre productions came to a halt after 2013. It’s been nearly a decade since. The company that started it all seems to have retreated, deciding to focus on developing the Adventures in Odyssey universe with new audio episodes and book series. Meanwhile, other audio drama companies have surged into the void, such as Lamplighter Theatre, Heirloom Audio Productions, Augustine Institute Radio Theatre, Jonathan Park, the Brinkman Adventures, Kids Corner, the Adventum, and many more.
But Radio Theatre remains the gold standard. From the beginning it has been pursuing excellence in audio drama, selecting timeless literary classics and faithfully adapting them in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. It opens up fantastic worlds of adventure and imagination, backlit by God’s truth. And it explores the dark realities of our world, without losing sight of hope. The world could use a little more Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, I think.
It’s true there are many Radio Theatre productions that are appropriate for all ages. Focus on the Family has produced family-friendly titles such as The Secret Garden, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Anne of Green Gables. But others are more geared to older listeners. Oliver Twist takes us to the dark, criminal underground of London, C.S Lewis’ classic The Screwtape Letters is narrated by a senior demon, and Les Misérables follows an ex-convict trying to reform his life in revolutionary France. World War II dramas based on the lives of notable Christians Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Corrie Ten Boom each delve into some dark times in history. The Father Gilbert Mysteries, an original series, features an Anglican priest-turned-detective who gets himself into a few spiritual battles in his quest for truth.
Though Christian entertainment can sometimes get a bad rap, these Radio Theatre stories are produced to the highest standards. Secular authorities recognize this. The drama on Bonhoeffer, for example, is the winner of a Peabody Award for excellence. And while it’s true that other organizations produce audio drama, such as the prominent and highly esteemed BBC, Focus on the Family has done something unique and, I would argue, revolutionary. They create movies for your mind. Your typical BBC production may involve some really top-notch actors, but usually has very minimal sound effects and music. But Focus on the Family has taken audio drama to new heights with its cinematic soundscape and music. Their sound effects are actually better than what you hear in movies because they have to compensate for the lack of visuals. They make the extra effort to immerse listeners in the story with every available audio tool. In my opinion, Focus on the Family produces the best audio dramas on the market.
And so, of course they should make more of them. I’ve compiled a list of ideas for future Radio Theatre productions. These are some stories that I would love to see produced because of their compelling storylines, uplifting moments, and enduring value. Here is my wish list, in no particular order:
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas
When lengths would you go to in order to see justice done? Would you seek revenge against someone who wronged you? The Count of Monte Cristo is a rollicking tale of adventure, betrayal, suffering, and redemption. It is widely recognized as a classic and was even briefly featured in the Adventures in Odyssey episode B-TV: Revenge. In the story our main character, Edmond Dantès, is accused of a crime he did not commit and is wrongfully imprisoned in the notorious French fortress, the Château d’If. Later he escapes and returns to society, disguising himself as a mysterious count in possession of great wealth. Is forgiveness possible? This tale holds the answer. It would fit well with Radio Theatre’s love of sometimes dark but ultimately uplifting stories.
Chuck Colson
Chuck Colson’s memoir Born Again reads like a movie. It opens in the ballroom of the Shoreman Hotel in Washington, D.C. as the victory party for President Nixon’s reelection kicks off. The occasion should be all smiles and rejoicing. But something is wrong. Our main character, Chuck Colson, Nixon’s trusted “hatchet man”, feels it in his bones. As the months pass, the Watergate allegations begin to surface. Bit by bit, Colson’s life starts to unravel. Someone has to go to jail for the Watergate break-in, and people are gunning for Colson. At his lowest point, a close friend gives Colson a copy of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Colson surrenders his life to Jesus and his life is forever changed. He ends up serving time in federal prison, but he takes his faith in God with him. He goes on to found Prison Fellowship, a Christian ministry operating in prisons around the world. Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program has even been featured in several AIO episodes. Dramatizing the life and legacy of Chuck Colson, his conversion, and the impact he has had on countless people, would be a great fit for Radio Theatre.
The Space Trilogy, by C.S. Lewis
Before C.S. Lewis wrote the famous Narnia fantasy series, he dabbled in science fiction. His Space Trilogy opens with Out of the Silent Planet, the far-flung journey of Dr. Ransom to the planet Malacandra where he races to stop another group of human visitors from enacting their villainous plans. The stakes are only raised in the sequels, culminating in an epic showdown between the forces of good and evil. The themes in these books about the dangers of “might makes right”, authoritarianism, and unethical science are more relevant today than ever. These books have never been adapted before, for radio or film, and deserve our attention.
War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy
Epic battles, romantic entanglements, calculating Russian aristocrats, and the conquests of Napoleon Bonaparte—War and Peace has it all. The story follows a large cast of characters as they navigate the changing landscape of imperial Russia. Will Natasha find her true love? Will Andrei make his father proud? Will Pierre find his purpose in life? The major events of the novel span nearly a decade and offer plenty of thrilling and suspenseful moments, all undergirded with Christian truth.
Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
Jesse Aarons, a kid in the fifth grade, was doing just fine until Leslie showed up. This new girl from out of town is pretty strange. She doesn’t even own a TV for crying out loud. As they get to know each other, Leslie turns Jesse’s world upside down with her boundless imagination. Together they create the fantastical land of Terabithia, a realm where the two of them rule as king and queen. In this magical tale Jesse and Leslie enjoy an unforgettable time together. It is a sweet story, but bittersweet as well. Parts of it would have to be crafted delicately, but I’m sure Radio Theatre could do it justice.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln appears in the two-part Adventures in Odyssey episode titled simply Lincoln. The episode focuses on the surrender General Lee and the events leading up to Lincoln’s assassination. But Lincoln's life was so much more than that. An audio drama based on his life could explore his family life and his relationship with his sons. It could touch on his own military service, his law career, his rise in politics, his leadership during the Civil War, his campaign against slavery, and his trust in divine providence for victory of the Union. This is a story that deserves to be told.
A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens
Paris is just over 200 miles away from London. Today you can fly that distance in less than an hour. But in the late 1700s, the events that swept over Paris made it seem a world away. Charles Dickens’ classic A Tale of Two Cities is an iconic retelling of the French Revolution. Our main characters, having travelled from England, find themselves in France as the Reign of Terror begins. Can they unravel the mystery behind a certain character’s past, and escape from the clutches of a woman known as The Vengeance? The story contains one of the greatest examples of sacrificial love that you will find in fiction. It is a must-read and could be powerfully brought to life in an audio drama.
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë
Jane Eyre is looking for a home, a place where she’ll be welcomed and accepted, loved even. Always on the move, from her aunt’s house to boarding school, to a mysterious manor, to the desolate moors of northern England, Jane encounters villains and saints, and many people in between. She falls in love with a Mr. Rochester, but the revelation of a dark secret threatens to turn their world upside down. Movie adaptations have endeavored to ignore the Christian themes and messages in the novel, which are central to Jane’s journey. A Radio Theatre audio drama could bring these themes to life once again.
The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is beloved by Tolkien fans and, despite some changes from the source material, endure as an example of how to do a faithful adaptation. The Hobbit films, however, made more drastic changes from the source material and leave something to be desired. The BBC also created their own audio drama adaptation of The Hobbit in 1968, which unfortunately is not very engaging for modern listeners. This presents an opportunity for Radio Theatre to step in. The Hobbit is an entertaining, fantastical tale of adventure after adventure. A new audio drama could tap into the excitement and the drama, without losing the heart of the story. And since Adventures in Odyssey fans have already been introduced to the world of Middle-earth in the There and Back Again episodes (Season 4), this would be a natural fit.
Florence Nightingale
The Lady with the Lamp, Florence Nightingale, was a nurse who is remembered today as a civilian hero of the Crimean War. She travelled from her home in England to the far-off city of Constantinople and cared for wounded soldiers. She noticed that many died as a result of infection and unsanitary conditions at hospitals. It was her initiative that improved medical conditions throughout the profession and ended up saving the lives of tens of thousands. In her writings, Florence says she was called by God to do his work, which encouraged her to become a nurse. It would be lovely to hear her inspiring story as an audio drama.
Surprised by Joy, by C.S. Lewis
Radio Theatre has always had an affinity for all things C.S. Lewis. Their last production to date was C.S. Lewis at War, the story behind Lewis’s radio broadcast talks during World War II which eventually became the book Mere Christianity. So, it would make sense to dramatize Lewis’s autobiography, Surprised by Joy, as well. The book follows his early life, his spiritual journey, and his conversion to Christianity. I’m sure the story behind Lewis coming to faith would be a hit for listeners.
The Man Born to be King, by Dorothy L. Sayers
While C.S. Lewis was doing his famous BBC radio broadcasts, another Christian writer was also seeking to reach the British public via the airwaves. Dorothy L. Sayers wrote The Man Born to be King, a radio play based on the life of Jesus. The play was revolutionary in its day because rather than using the older language style of the King James Bible, it sought to adapt its language for 20th century listeners. Radio Theatre could tweak it slightly for modern listeners but still create a faithful reproduction of Sayers’ work.
Elijah Creek and the Armor of God, by Lena Wood
If you haven’t read the Elijah Creek and the Armor of God series, you need to. These seven books might be seen as middle grade fiction, but don’t let that fool you. They have a depth and spiritual maturity that is truly impressive. The series follows Elijah, a kid in junior high, and a group of friends as they find themselves on a quest to discover the location of six ancient pieces of armor scattered around the world. Mystery upon mystery takes these kids on some fascinating adventures as they learn to live out spiritual truths in their everyday lives. The series is not only exciting and action-packed, but thoughtful and profound. I’ve been reading and rereading these books for years and it would be a treat for me, and I think for listeners everywhere, to hear them adapted into audio dramas.
Father Gilbert Mysteries
Radio Theatre’s best original production has to be the Father Gilbert Mysteries. Each of the nine stories in the series follows Louis Gilbert, a former Scotland Yard detective turned Anglican minister, as he follows the clues and solves the mystery, which often involves some unexpected and spiritual elements. The audio series ends with Father Gilbert taking a step back from his ministry due to the revelations in the final episode. Later, writer Paul McCusker released some Father Gilbert novels in which Gilbert has returned. But what happened in between? That’s a question that it appears only a return to the audio drama series can solve. More Father Gilbert mysteries would be a long-awaited gift for fans of Radio Theatre. Personally, I’ve always thought a Father Gilbert Christmas special would be a welcome addition to the series. There’s so much potential for doing more with our main character and the rest of the people of Stonebridge in future episodes.
Focus on the Family Radio Theatre is something special. It retells the true stories of the abolitionist William Wilberforce, the gospel writer Luke, and the Native American Squanto. It brings to life the fantastic stories of A Christmas Carol and At the Back of the North Wind. And its Narnia productions remain the best adaptations of the series available. Radio Theatre creates dramas of the highest quality.
Or at least it used to. After what seemed like a golden age of audio drama, the last Focus on the Family Radio Theatre productions came to a halt after 2013. It’s been nearly a decade since. The company that started it all seems to have retreated, deciding to focus on developing the Adventures in Odyssey universe with new audio episodes and book series. Meanwhile, other audio drama companies have surged into the void, such as Lamplighter Theatre, Heirloom Audio Productions, Augustine Institute Radio Theatre, Jonathan Park, the Brinkman Adventures, Kids Corner, the Adventum, and many more.
But Radio Theatre remains the gold standard. From the beginning it has been pursuing excellence in audio drama, selecting timeless literary classics and faithfully adapting them in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. It opens up fantastic worlds of adventure and imagination, backlit by God’s truth. And it explores the dark realities of our world, without losing sight of hope. The world could use a little more Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, I think.
This site is in no way affiliated with Focus on the Family. "Adventures in Odyssey" is a registered trademark of Focus on the Family.