Go back in time with Fred Crafts’ Radio Redux re-creation of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” June 19 and 21 at the Hult Center’s Soreng Theater in Eugene.

Based on the 1940 science fiction short story “Farewell to the Master” by Harry Bates, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” is about a flying saucer that lands in Washington, D.C., with its alien inhabitant, Klaatu. Klaatu has come in peace. His mission is to warn all the world leaders that the beings of other planets are concerned for humankind’s safety, because it has developed atomic power. Klaatu declares that if his message goes unheeded, “Earth will be eliminated.”

Fred Crafts’ Radio Redux is a theater troupe that remakes historic 1940s radio shows. Unlike other theatrical performances, the Radio Redux troupe tells stories mainly through words and sounds, leaving the rest up to the audience’s imagination. With live music and sound effects, comical commercials, displays of broadcasting memorabilia and pre-show discussions, it’s “radio worth watching,” says Crafts.

“Farewell to the Master” also inspired the 1951 film “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” In 1954, Lux Radio Theatre adapted the story into a radio play. Radio Redux will re-create the Lux program.

“‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’ is one of the most-beloved science-fiction films ever,” says Crafts. “As Radio Redux’s first venture into science fiction, we picked the best story we know.”

The Eugene vocal trio The Jewel Tones will create musical effects for Radio Redux’s production with the help of a theremin to emulate the 1951 film’s score. The trio will also open the show with an audience singalong of songs about space.

Included with the performance is a free, illustrated behind-the-show talk by radio-film historian Patrick Lucanio 45 minutes before start time in the Hult Center’s lobby, an exhibition of historic radio collectibles by curator Dennis Wright, a display of World War II memorabilia by the Lane County Historical Museum and a meet-the-cast encounter after the show.

Tickets to “The Day the Earth Stood Still” are $21 for adults, $18 for students and seniors 65 and older. For more information on Fred Crafts’ Radio Redux and “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” or to purchase tickets, go to www.radioreduxusa.com.

— Reporter: 541-383-0350, kmccool@bendbulletin.com