MAD MEL AND THE MARRADIANS Premiere Scheduled for 10/15

The Marradians are coming to Earth -- led by The Do-nald!

Just in time for the 2016 presidential election -- which some people believe features aliens as candidates -- acclaimed audio drama producer-director Mike Sargent is bringing Gary Morgenstein's four-part sci-fi political series Mad Mel and the Marradians to radio. Episode one is available at madmelsavestheworld.com beginning Saturday, October 15.

In Mad Mel and the Marradians, Mel Worthington (Gys de Villiers/Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) has become a prolific best-selling author by inventing endless books about the Marradians, who he claims are ancient aliens. However, there really are Marradians. Led by the ruthless Do-nald of the Bewailment (Eric Rausch/Brecht's The Roundheads and the Pointheads), they're planning to conquer Terra (Earth). All that stands in their way is the pompous Worthington and his fiery girlfriend Anita (Marlene Villafane/Oklahoma). Will humanity remain free -- or become enslaved?

Said Sargent, "The resurgence of radio drama has ushered in a new golden era, building upon the worldwide popularity of podcasts. Radio provides a galaxy of imaginative possibilities. All you have to do is close your eyes (unless you're driving, of course) and listen. Mad Mel and the Marradians, with its timely and provocative political themes, smart dialogue, funny larger-than-life characters, and wonderfully gifted cast, is one terrific series."

Mike Sargent produced and directed Mad Mel and the Marradians, which is adapted by Gary Morgenstein from his stage play, first presented at the Midtown International Theater Festival.

And for those wondering just who are the Marradians, here is renowned extraterrestrial expert Dr. Ilil Arbel: http://madmelsavestheworld.com/blog/.

Please visit us at Twitter at #MadMelSaves.

THE TEAM

GARY MORGENSTEIN (Writer/Creator) most recently wrote the critically acclaimed off-Broadway sci-fi rock musical The Anthem - Ayn Rand Meets Hunger Games. His plays range from A Tomato Can't Grow in the Bronx and Right on Target to Ponzi Man, and his novels include Jesse's Girl, under option to actress Ksenia Solo's (Orphan Black) production company OnFireFilms, Loving Rabbi Thalia Kleinman, Take Me Out to the Ballgame and The Man Who Wanted to Play Center Field for the New York Yankees. His scripted television series Joyland is in development with K2 Pictures.

MIKE SARGENT (Director/ Producer) Nominated several times for the prestigious Audelco Award for sound design, has written, produced and directed numerous radio dramas and audio books. Mike has adapted the works of acclaimed science fiction authors such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, and produced original radio documentary specials on John Lennon and Jerry Goldsmith. He wrote and directed the feature film, Personals (aka Hook'd Up), which starred Malik Yoba (NY Undercover) and Stacey Dash (Clueless). Sargent is chief film critic for WBAI Radio. He is host of both WBAI's daytime film review program, Reel World, and popular late night radio show Niteshift. He's currently directing & producing the feature length Bad Boys: A documentary film project.

GYS DE VILLIERS (Mel Worthington) has won 14 acting awards during his distinguished career, largely in his native South Africa. He's appeared in more than 54 theater productions, 20 television series and 30 feature films, including portraying F.W. de Klerk in the Oscar-nominated Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, which starred Idris Elba, and opposite Paul Walker in Vehicle 19.

ERICH RAUSCH (Larynx) has played leading roles in over 100 films over the last eight years, spanning a range of genres and languages. He was represented by three projects at Cannes 2016, and has a dozen projects currently on the festival circuit or in production. Many of the films have been awarded prestigious prizes and support, notably from The National Board of Review, The Guadalajara International Film Festival, Spike Lee and Danny Boyle.

MARLENE VILLAFANE (Anita Espinoza) Winner of the 11th Annual The One Festival for her one woman show Marlene Goes to Hollywood, which she wrote and performed, has starred in domestic and international productions such as Show Boat, Oklahoma and Stone Soup & Other Stories. She is also producer and director of the weekly Ruastar Live music program.

JORDAN AUSLANDER (Phlegm) reprises the role which garnered him a Best Supporting Actor nomination during the play's original run. His television appearances include Starter Wives Confidential and Ca$h Cab, and in films ranging from Sunday with Albert and Mandy to Defending the King.

ISOBELLA CAROLINE BOUCHER (Joan) is an actress/model/writer who most recently performed in the Off Broadway Production of Going Backwards as well as Name with the Alacrity Acting Group. She is also an accomplished singer and composer with four music CDs currently available.

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