The Curse of 589

An Irish-flavored fantasy starring William Shatner, Samantha Eggar, and Carl Reiner with an original score by Ken Stange.

The third of Norman Corwin's six completely new for National Public Radio -- a delightful original fantasy/comedy for St. Patrick's Day.

Reknowned, award-winning scientist Ted Bigelow (Shatner) is visited by a Leprechaun (Eggar), who introduces herself as "Fairy Number 589." She tells a tale of woe: of heartless Science terrible and triumphant; of the old ways (and the little people) forlorn and forgotten. She has come to put a curse, "...and bad cess..." she says, on all Science.

Ah, well now, we won't be givin' away the plot, but --

The chemistry between all three performers is absolutely wonderful! Shatner's fluid, utterly convincing Bigelow strikes sparks with Eggar's superb characterization of 589, as he tries to perform a technical analysis on a magic wand, and runs up against versatile, hilarious Carl Reiner, playing a three roles: a general, a sergeant, and a psychiatrist. Reiner's psychiatrist speaks with a German accent -- and if you remember TV's "Your Show Of Shows," you know the voice we mean. Timing is superb thoughout, and it's a stitch!

Performed live in early 1997 before a very appreciative audience at the Museum of Television and Radio in Beverly Hills, "The Curse of 589" has grabbed and delighted listeners from coast to coast. It's very much in Corwin's finest tradition -- sharp, warmly human comedy with a satirical edge, and some deeper issues raised among and between the lines.

This is a great story for all ages, a lovely bouquet to all the Irish everywhere, and surely another classic of audio theatre from America's Grand Master, Norman Corwin.

Sure, and also begorrah!

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