In 2017-2018, the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild teamed up with Blugold Radio to create an 8-episode radio drama called Bend in the River. Bend in the River tells the story of 26-year-old David Sundby, who, while en route to his grandfather’s funeral in River Bend, Wisconsin, is forced to take the old ferry following a bridge closure. Upon doing so, he finds himself transported to the summer of 1958, where he disrupts the time-space continuum (including meddling with his grandparents’ futures, as well as his own) in an effort to return home.
At the time, I described the series as “The Twilight Zone meets Fargo,” which still holds true today. Re-listening to the series years later, I’m struck by the quality of what we collectively produced. Is it perfect? Nah. But this series allowed us to grow as artists and performers in ways I never thought possible.
This project involved dozens of voice actors, producers, and writers, all of whom gave so much of themselves to bring this series to life. Unquestionably, it was one of the most complex collaborations I’ve ever been a part of, but also, one of the most rewarding. Not only did we create a radio drama (which led to a sold out live show!), but we forged a lot of friendships along the way. So sit back, close your eyes and have a listen. Enjoy your return to River Bend.
—B.J. Hollars, 2021
While en route to his grandfather’s funeral, David is transported to 1958, where he soon finds himself embroiled in a town set aflame by bridge-building setbacks, looming Communist threats, a thwarted attempt to shoot down Sputnik, and a wild man roaming the woods.
As the search for Stuart begins, another unexpected visitor comes to town that puts David’s secret in jeopardy of being discovered.
After a disturbing discovery of a brain during their attempt to capture Stuart, David and Officer Olson set out to find an explanation of its origin before hysteria breaks out in River Bend.
While leaving the town dance, David makes an unexpected connection with a townsperson with the potential for dire consequences for both the past and the future.
A peculiar piece of memorabilia sends David on a frantic mission to discover the consequences of his time travelling..
As the threat of Soviet invasion looms, David takes shelter in the radio station alongside the radio announcer, whom David soon learns has a secret of her own.
David and Jorie go in search of an ailing George as the people of River Bend grow stranger still.
In the stunning conclusion, the people of River Bend endure the full impact of the Oxbow Effect as David, with the help of his friends, attempts to right the world he’s broken.
Credits
Written by B.J. Hollars, Charlotte Kupsh, Ken Szymanski and Jim Rybicki.
Produced by Scott Morfitt, Nathan Baughman, and Eli Klatt
Voice acting by Jake Pritchard, Jason Splichal, Ken Szymanski, Katie Hennen, Neil Dunbar, Brett Jensen, Karen Drydyk, Jeff DeGrave, Tom Giffey. Mike Paulus, Sully Paulus, Eva Paulus, Paul Thomas, Brian Moen, Matt Kiskunas, Rob Reid, Jake Lindren, and Shannon Paulus.
With support from the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild, Blugold Radio, and the Eau Claire Community Foundation.