Orson Welles was 25 years old and H.G. Wells was 74 when a chance meeting brought the two together in 1940. Two years prior, Welles broadcast a radio show so realistic that it frightened listeners into believing that Martians were invading New Jersey. The broadcast followed the plot of Wells’s most famous novel, “The War of the Worlds” (1898).
It must have been fascinating for these two brilliant men to meet. It’s just as riveting for us to meet these two in the thrilling world-premiere drama of “Wells and Welles.” The show is presented by Lucid Theater at Chicago’s City Lit Theater.
‘Wells and Welles’
Welles was in San Antonio for a town hall forum. When he learned that the author of “The War of the Worlds” was in town, he had to meet him.H.G. Wells is often considered the father of science fiction. Besides “The War of the Worlds,” he wrote “The Time Machine” (1895), “The Invisible Man” (1897), and “The Island of Dr. Moreau” (1896). Even though Welles was only 25 at the time, he already had a reputation for being an important filmmaker and actor.
At the time, Orson Welles was working on his famous film “Citizen Kane,” which would be released the following year. Thanks to his ego, had no qualms about knocking on the hotel room door of the famous English novelist.
Orson asks if he can come in out of the rain. He also wants to apologize. H.G. grudgingly opens the door. Orson slowly wins him over by helping him fix a typewriter ribbon and admiring the elder’s visionary achievements.
Orson knew that H.G. was displeased that he‘d broadcasted “War of the Worlds” without permission. Although he apologizes profusely, H.G. isn’t moved by Orson’s response: “I loved ’The War of the Worlds,' so I felt it belongs to me because I loved it so.”
Orson tries to get H.G. to join him in an interview. He thinks that it will be wonderful publicity for both of them. While Orson thinks the publicity will help him raise money for his 1941 “Citizen Kane” film, the British writer tells him that he doesn’t need publicity.
Kevin Rolfs creates a convincing vintage hotel room set, complete with an old-fashioned bed, desk, typewriter, and chairs. Alvaro Ledesma’s lighting and sound design transport the audience to the late 1930s.
But the big reason this play works so well is due to its two lead actors. Gerrit Wilford is compelling as Orson. Not only does he resemble the boy genius, but he also believes he’s the smartest person in the room.
With a classic British accent and fastidious British primness, Pete Blatchford is convincing as the elder H.G. Both actors embody their characters so well that we can’t help but feel what they feel.
Not only are the characters interesting, but so is their discussion on the nature of art and fiction journalism. Since the interview takes place in 1940, and World War II had already begun, their conversation on war’s effects on art, storytelling, and philosophy are especially meaningful today.
A drama that brings the past to life, “Wells and Welles” explores the intellectual excitement generated when two geniuses exchange ideas and life stories.
