First Nighter Program

The First Nighter Program was a long-running radio anthology comedy-drama series broadcast from November 27, 1930, to September 27, 1953.

An article in a 1939 newspaper observed that "First Nighter was the first show to present complete and separate original plays each week."

The show’s opening recreated the aural atmosphere of a Broadway opening, with Mr. First Nighter first heard walking on Broadway, emerging from the noise of people and street traffic into the crowded lobby of “the Little Theater Off Times Square,” and then taking his seat in the third row center, where he gave the whispered introduction: “The house lights have dimmed, and the curtain is about to go up on tonight’s production."

The Stars

The host was Mr. First Nighter, portrayed by a series of actors including Charles P. Hughes, Macdonald Carey, Bret Morrison, Marvin Miller, Don Briggs, and Rye Billsbury (later known as Michael Rye).

The show featured a core group of talented actors who portrayed the lead roles in the weekly dramas. Don Ameche and June Meredith were the initial stars, playing romantic leads from 1930 to 1936. Ameche later co-starred with Betty Lou Gerson from 1935 to 1936.

In 1936, the lead roles transitioned to Les Tremayne and Barbara Luddy, who continued in those parts until 1943. After that, Olan Soule took over the male lead, continuing to perform alongside Luddy.

The announcers for the series were Larry Keating and Vincent Pelletier, while the “Famous First Nighter Orchestra” provided the musical accompaniment under the direction of Eric Sagerquist, Caesar Petrillo, and Frank Worth at various points during the show’s run.

Key Dates

• The First Nighter Program debuted on November 27, 1930 and ran until its final broadcast on September 27, 1953. 
• Over its 23-year run, the series aired on four different radio networks: the NBC Blue Network (1930-1933), the NBC Red Network (1933-1937, 1938), CBS (1937-1938, 1938-1942), and Mutual (1942-1944). 
• One of the most popular annual episodes was the Christmas-themed “Little Town of Bethlehem,” which was first performed in 1937 and then repeated every year thereafter at the request of the listening audience.

Other Information

The First Nighter Program was sponsored throughout its run by The Campana Company, which used the show to advertise its Italian Balm hand lotion. This exposure helped make Italian Balm the best-selling hand lotion in the United States during the 1930s.

The series was known for its realistic recreation of the atmosphere of a Broadway theater, with the host’s whispered introduction, the formal attire worn by the actors during live performances, and the usher’s cry signaling commercial breaks. This attention to theatrical detail helped make The First Nighter Program a beloved part of old-time radio for over two decades.