Wayside Theater, The

The Wayside Theater was a romantic comedy radio series that aired from 1938 to 1939, sponsored by the Chicago Motor Club (later the American Automobile Association). The series featured unique and lighthearted tales of love and mishap set in a variety of unusual locales, including Mexico, a taxi cab, and even a night school. Each episode presented a standalone story that allowed listeners a “vacation of the mind” through the power of radio drama. Though the show had a relatively short run, it provided a welcome respite and entertainment for families gathered around their radio sets during the golden age of radio.

The Stars

The series was narrated by Bret Morrison and featured a rotating cast of talented actors, showcasing the best talent of the day.

The Wayside Theater featured a rotating cast of skilled actors, though there were no regular stars. Some of the notable performers who appeared on the series included Olan Soule, Harriette Widmer, Bill Bouchey, Bret Morrison, Forrest Lewis, Herb Butterfield, and Lesley Woods.

Key Dates

• The Wayside Theater debuted on WBBM-Chicago on October 2, 1938 and ran for over 9 months.
• The final episode aired on May 14, 1939.
• The series was sponsored by the Chicago Motor Club throughout its run.

Other Information

In addition to the radi series, the Wayside Theater name was also used for a professional theater company that operated in Middletown, Virginia from 1963 to 2013. However, this theater company was a separate entity from the radio series and had no direct connection.

The series was part of a larger trend of romantic comedy programming on radio during the late 1930s, with other similar shows like Romance in Old Monterey and Love in a Taxi also sponsored by the Chicago Motor Club. These programs provided light-hearted entertainment and an escape for listeners during a time of economic and global uncertainty.

The Wayside Theater offered a unique brand of romantic comedy that allowed radio audiences a temporary respite from the realities of the day through the power of storytelling and performance. Its memorable tales and talented cast made it a welcome addition to the golden age of radio.