http://ipraudio.interlochen.org/Story%20Next%20Door%20.mp3
In 2006, Leland's Scott Craig began a radio series for Interlochen Public Radio. He called it "The Story Next Door" and, in it, he tells stories about ordinary people in Northern Michigan. Now, "The Story Next Door" will be a live theater piece.
Scott Craig says, "I do believe that everybody has a story. I really do."
Scott has always held that philosophy. He used it to his advantage throughout his career as a documentary filmmaker in Chicago television. Scott's now retired from TV. But he likes to keep his hand in broadcasting. So, he volunteered to read occasional copy for IPR.
But General Manager Thom Paulson suggested that Scott tap into his vast storytelling experience and come up with something a little more ambitious and creative.
Scott said, "On the drive home to Leland from here I came up with the whole concept. I even came up with the title, 'The Story Next Door.'"
So it was appropriate that the very first "Story Next Door" came from, literally, next door. Scott's next door neighbor is Fred Atkinson.
Scott says, "Fred was in his 80s and I noticed on his license plate it said 'EX-POW.'"
Scott asked Fred about his experience and Fred told him a hair-raising story about war and survival. In the stage version of "The Story Next Door," actor Bob Pisor tells much of Fred's story.
Pisor reads, "A blizzard was raging and temperatures dropped below zero. Without warning, German officials told the 10,000 prisoners they had to get their gear together and prepare to leave on a forced march. It lasted for three brutally cold days. Fred estimates that some 2,000 of his comrades died on that march."
Then there's the story of Linda Lindquist-Bishop. She was working in Chicago when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds did a fly-over. At that very moment she was on her cell phone with a business associate. She held up her phone so the associate could hear the jets booming over.
Linda said, "The guy on the phone actually knew the guy who flew over my head in the jet airplane and sent me his e-mail address. And now I'm married to him! (Laughs)"
Linda's not in the show herself but says she's excited and humbled to have her story told.
The live version of "The Story Next Door" will also feature music, dancing, and projected photographs of some of the people in the stories. Performances take place at The Old Art Building in Leland on September 16 and 17.