"I have brought to light a monstrous abnormality,
but I did it for the sake of knowledge."
Dark Adventure Radio Theatre: The Case of Charles Dexter Ward brings Lovecraft's novella to life as it might have been adapted for radio in the 1930s. This special 2 CD set dramatizes HPL's longest story with a huge cast of professional actors, exciting sound effects and thrilling original music by Reber Clark. This tale of ancestral evil and supernatural horror in Lovecraft's beloved Providence is a favorite among HPL fans. It's our understanding that this story has not previously been recorded in English.
Charles Dexter Ward is a bright high school student in 1920s Providence. He investigates genealogical records about his ancestor, Joseph Curwen, a dubious character who fled Salem before the witchcraft trials. Charles' inquiry takes a number of dark and nefarious turns, leading to grave robbing, ritual magic, murder and madness. Can a horror that started centuries ago be stymied, or will occult fiends succeed in their hideous ambitions?
In addition to two 77 minute CDs (the total show is more than two and half hours) containing the radio drama, you'll get these carefully made props from the story to enhance your listening experience:
• A clipping from the Providence Journal, describing the escape of a patient from a mental hospital
• A letter from Simon Orne to Joseph Curwen discussing their diabolical undertakings
• A photograph Charles Ward with the restored portrait of Joseph Curwen
• A page from Borellus' grimoire, detailing the use of essential saltes, with notations by Joseph Curwen
These great props are complimented by the fantastic artwork of illustrator Darrell Tutchton in the style you've come to know and love from other episodes of Dark Adventure Radio Theatre.