The Kepler Radio Play Series
A modern take on a classic radio pastime, the Kepler Radio Play Series is written, produced and features all local talent from the region. Each piece is set in the fictional town of Kepler, ND and involves the cast of characters who inhabit this area. From the town hardware shop to the Lutheran church to Lake Killebrew - each episode will take you on a journey to a place with big hearts and even bigger troubles. This series is written by Kevin Kennedy and JJ Gordon.
Episodes
A series of mini plays that all take place during a historic winter storm in the fictional town of Kepler, ND. Plenty of cabin fever, stranded residents and other stories are bookended by Gil and Helen Schneider arguing about whether or not to go out in a storm to check on the homes and businesses around Kepler! Written by Kevin Kennedy from a story by Kevin Kennedy and JJ Gordon. Originally aired Valentine's Day 2022.
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After a little over a year since the project started, writer Kevin Kennedy again joins Amy Iler and JJ Gordon for a discussion about how a radio play is created. From idea to finished product. Including some of the behind the scenes work when it comes to sound effects and getting a real feeling of being in a winter storm!
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Two churches ignite a rivalry over who will have the grandest holiday concert of the season. Father Al and Pastor Donna each do their best and make a mess of the whole thing! Lefse trays! High notes! Christmas lights! Written by JJ Gordon from a story by Kevin Kennedy and JJ Gordon. Originally aired Christmas 2021
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Scandal! Just before the 150th anniversary of the fictional town of Kepler, ND a mysterious stranger comes to town and shocks the residents with new details about the founding of their town. A newly written book is now a work of fiction and the entire town is thrown into a frenzy as they try to uncover the truth! Written by Kevin Kennedy from a story by Kevin Kennedy and JJ Gordon. Originally aired Thanksgiving 2021.
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Writer and teacher Kevin Kennedy digs deep to talk about the real life inspiration for the story of two brothers who attempt to establish a town after the Civil War. Bribes, railroads and who gets to decide how history is written are the plot elements in "The Kepler Curse." A radio tradition, these audio plays are a great bridge between yesterday and today!
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Nothing like a midwest fishing tournament to get the residents of Kepler, ND into a frenzy. Neighbors taking on neighbors, professional anglers and a boat motor that won't work are all at the center of this radio play. Can a record breaking fish be caught from the shore or will the fellas from "Gone Outdoors" find another winner? Written by Kevin Kennedy from a story by Kevin Kennedy and JJ Gordon. Originally aired Labor Day 2021.
Kevin Kennedy again joins Amy Iler and JJ Gordon for a discussion about the creation of a fictional fishing tournament in everyone's favorite rural town - Kepler, ND. Shout outs to Scott Brewer and Kyle Agre from Gone Outdoors for their great work as themselves in this radio play!
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Hear from the creators and find out how they wrangled all of the actors and actresses into another radio play. Writer Kevin Kennedy joins It Takes Two with Amy & JJ to discuss all the details on sound effects, recording and reviving a radio tradition in the 21st century!
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Another trip to the fictional town of Kepler, ND and this time - a wedding! Two residents of the Lust for Life Retirement Home are tying the knot...but not after some discussion about who is in charge (the Catholics or the Lutherans) a family squabble and a trip to the salon. Will Bruce and Gladys get hitched?!? Written by Kevin Kennedy from a story by Kevin Kennedy and JJ Gordon. Originally aired Memorial Day 2021.
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Writer Kevin Kennedy sits down with Amy Iler and JJ Gordon to talk about the radio play "A Kepler Wedding" and what elements people can expect on another round in Kepler, ND
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"Last Exit for Twenty Miles" by Kevin Kennedy from a story by Kevin Kennedy and JJ Gordon. Hear from the creators about taking a classic piece of radio history and putting a 21st century spin on sound effects, acting and making a radio play.
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In the fictional town of Kepler, ND a small group of citizens find themselves at Ray's Diner on Christmas Eve. The cast of characters share their woes and joys together. A young mother who has just moved back to town, a business owner dealing with the inevitable, a mysterious stranger and more! First aired Christmas 2020.
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