Virginia Theatre premieres Bill Odenkirk's 'We Interrupt This Program' Oct. 16-17

CHAMPAIGN - The Virginia Theatre will stage the premiere of "We Interrupt This Program," a new play by television writer Bill Odenkirk, on Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17, according to the theater's ticketing page.

The play follows a small Midwestern radio station preparing to rebroadcast Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" when news breaks of an alien ship over an Illinois cornfield, the listing says. Corey Bradberry directs, and the cast listing names Bob Odenkirk and Jill Talley.

After the play, Sarah Edwards moderates a discussion on whether there is life beyond Earth with Ahmed Best, Avi Loeb and Bill Odenkirk. Ryan Groff is the musical guest. The Champaign Park District presents the show at the theater, 203 W. Park Ave.

Both performances start at 7:30 p.m., according to the theater's announcement. Reserved seats are $39.50, $59.50, $79.50 or $89.50 plus a $5 to $10 fee per ticket, and VIP packages are sold, according to the box office.

Source: Virginia Theatre box office, https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1135; Virginia Theatre announcement, https://thevirginia.org/champaign-park-district-is-pleased-to-announce-a-special-live-stage-event-to-take-place-at-the-historic-virginia-theatre-in-downtown-champaign-coming-this-fall/