Adventures in Odyssey
Chris Anthony | |
Created by | Phil Lollar and Steve Harris |
---|---|
Written by | Paul McCusker Phil Lollar Marshal Younger Kathy Buchanan Nathan Hoobler & many others |
Directed by | Phil Lollar Paul McCusker Marshal Younger Bob Hoose Nathan Hoobler |
Produced by | Bob Luttrell Bob Hoose Nathan Hoobler |
Executive producer(s) | Dave Arnold (Current) Chuck Bolte Paul McCusker Kurt Bruner Al Janssen |
Edited by | Jonathan Crowe Rudy Haerr Nathan Jones Christopher Diehl |
Recording studio | Salami Studios (current) Marc Graue Studios and other locations |
Original release | November 21, 1987 – present |
No. of episodes | Radio: 1,012 (including specials and currently unreleased episodes) Full list Video: 17 Books: 81 Full list |
Website | www |
Podcast | www |
Adventures in Odyssey (AIO), or simply Odyssey, is an
History
In 1982,
The goal of the Odyssey staff was to create a "values-based" radio show with production values comparable with or surpassing those of most mainstream audio dramas. While the show aimed to promote Christian values, according to Odyssey's co-creator Phil Lollar, the goal is not to be "a preaching program", but to be an "entertaining program".[5] Large amounts of work were put into each individual story; for the first few years, each thirty-minute episode typically took over one hundred hours to produce.[6]
Several well-known voice actors were brought in to provide the lead roles.
When Hal Smith died in 1994, Adventures in Odyssey was left without its main character and Focus on the Family considered canceling the radio show.[11] After a search that lasted over two years, a replacement voice was finally found in Paul Herlinger, who sounded very similar to Hal Smith. Herlinger voiced Whittaker from 1996 through 2008.[12] Because of health issues, a mutual decision was made by Herlinger and the crew to replace Herlinger with another voice actor.
Consequently, Adventures in Odyssey took a long hiatus, with no new episodes planned while the staff searched for a new actor to voice Mr. Whittaker. In September 2009, Andre Stojka was selected as the third actor to voice Mr. Whittaker; only months later, on February 2, 2010, Paul Herlinger died from his illness. In March 2010, regular episodes resumed airing as Album 51, Take it from the Top, premiered.[4]
As of 2022, Chris Anthony and Katie Leigh are the only original cast members remaining in the series.
The show has been adapted into Spanish audio and Hindi live-action videos, with plans to create Mandarin audio as well.[3] On January 2, 2014, a subscription service for Adventures in Odyssey fans and their families launched, the Adventures In Odyssey Club. The subscription fee supports Focus on the Family as well as other world relief and ministry organizations. The Adventures In Odyssey Club is available internationally and had over 7,000 members in 2016. Main features of the club include access to over 900 Episodes from the Radio Series, as well as all 17 videos, every Official Podcast, and exclusive monthly episodes available only to club members.
Popularity
By the end of its second year in 1988, the show was on 634
Almost all the radio episodes have also been widely released on both cassette and CD collections, and by 1992, almost a million cassettes had been sold.[15] Odyssey episodes have also been released annually (since 1990) as promotional items through Chick-fil-A.[16] Several times, Chick-fil-A has had special CD sets as their "kids' meal" product.
Characters
- John Avery Whittaker, voiced by Hal Smith (1987–1994), Paul Herlinger (1996–2008) and Andre Stojka (2009–present)
- Connie Kendall, voiced by Katie Leigh (1987–present)
- Eugene Meltsner and Harlow Doyle, voiced by Will Ryan (1987–2000, 2005-2021)
- Wooton Bassett, voiced by Jess Harnell (2001–present)
- Chris, the show's announcer, voiced by Chris Anthony(1987–present)
- Jason Whittaker, voiced by Townsend Coleman (1994–present)
- Katrina Shanks-Meltsner, voiced by Pamela Hayden (1993–2000), Audrey Wasilewski (2005–present)
- Bernard Walton, voiced by Dave Madden (1990–2008)
- Tom Riley, voiced by Walker Edmiston (1987–2007)
- Jack Allen, voiced by Alan Young (1994–2012)
- Joanne Allen, voiced by Janet Waldo (1996-2012)
- Bart Rathbone, voiced by Walker Edmiston (1987–2007) and Robert Easton (2008)
- Rodney Rathbone, voiced by Steve Burns (1990–2007)
- Dr. Regis Blackgaard, voiced by Earl Boen (1989–1999)
- Edwin Blackgaard, Regis's twin brother, also voiced by Earl Boen (1992–2015)
- Jimmy Barclay, voiced by David Griffin (1988–2008)
- Donna Barclay, voiced by Azure Janosky (1988–1997)
- Lucy Cunningham-Shultz, voiced by Genesis Long (1988–2008)
- Jack Davis, voiced by Donald Long (1988–2008)
- Aubrey Shepherd, voiced by Danielle Judovits (1999–2005)
- Matthew Parker, voiced by Zach Callison (2010–2014), Gunner Sizemore (2014–2015) and Justin Felbinger (2016–present)
- Emily Jones, voiced by Cristina Pucelli (2010–present)
- David Parker, voiced by Marc Evan Jackson (2010–2018) and Eddie Frierson (2018–present)
- Eva Parker, voiced by Amanda Troop (2010–present)
- Olivia Parker, voiced by Hope Levy (2010) and Kelly Stables (2010,2011–present)
- Camilla Parker, voiced by Sydney Shiotani (2010–2012), Michaela Dean (2012–2017) and Lilly Mae Stewart (2017–present)
- Barrett Jones, voiced by Andy Pessoa (2010–2014)
- Priscilla Peterson, voiced by Gatlin Green (2010–2012)
- Jay Smouse, voiced by Whit Hertford (2010–present)
- Robert "Mitch" Mitchell, voiced by Steve Burns (2001–2012)
- Penny Wise, voiced by Kimmy Robertson (2011–present)
- Jules Kendall, voiced by Shona Kennedy (2014–present)
- Buck Oliver, voiced by Robby Bruce (2011–present)
- Detective Don Polhaus, voiced by Phil Proctor (2011–present)
Episodes
Adventures in Odyssey has aired more than 900 episodes and has released 75 main albums, as well as many other special collections, including monthly Adventures in Odyssey club only episodes.
Spin-off products
Aside from the radio drama, Adventures in Odyssey has begun many spin-offs and special series, including an official Odyssey podcast,
Books
Adventures in Odyssey now has over 7 different spin-off book series, Passages,[21] Kidsboro,[22] The Imagination Station, Candid Conversations with Connie, The Blackgaard Chronicles, Jones and Parker Case Files, Young Whit, a 12-book series of novels titled simply Adventures in Odyssey, as well as episode guides, Bibles, devotionals, mysteries, and a comic book.
Video series
The first Adventures in Odyssey video was released in 1991. This series was created following the success of Focus on the Family's involvement in
It was also broadcast on the
Computer games
Christian video game developer Digital Praise has released three computer games based on the series, Adventures in Odyssey: The Treasure of the Incas,[24] Adventures in Odyssey: The Sword of the Spirit,[25] and Adventures in Odyssey: The Great Escape.[26] Will Ryan, Katie Leigh, and Paul Herlinger voiced the main characters of the games.[27]
The Imagination Station Book Series
The Imagination Station Book Series is based on the machine of the same name in the Adventures in Odyssey audio dramas. It takes characters back to see events in history using the power of their own imagination. There are currently 26 installments in the series, along with 6 audiobooks.[28]
Eugene Sings!
Eugene Sings! and Eugene Sings! Christmas are Adventures in Odyssey musical
Merchandise
Since 1987, Adventures in Odyssey has released hundreds of products related to the show, including those listed above as well as apparel, toys, games, calendars, pens, and other collectibles. Some are sold through retail outlets others are promotional items that are given away to certain people or at special events. There is even a display case in the Welcome Center of Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado that showcases some of the rarest memorabilia. Many fans of Adventures in Odyssey have become collectors of these products along with the audio albums, books and videos. There have been fan-sponsored contests[29] to showcase these collections.
Radio Theatre
Radio Theatre is a program run by Focus on the Family that makes both original and adapted radio dramas. Much of the staff involved with Adventures in Odyssey is also involved with Radio Theatre such as Paul McCusker.[30]
They have made adaptations of many novels including
See also
References
- ^ "Chick-fil-A giving away 'Adventures in Odyssey'". Herald-Journal. October 23, 2005. pp. E6.
- ^ "The History of Adventures in Odyssey". WhitsEnd.org. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2011.
- ^ a b Deutsch, Ken (December 12, 2008). "'Radio Theatre': Tales With a Message". Radio World. Archived from the original on May 3, 2009. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-58997-475-3.
- ^ "Radio Show is Family Adventure". The Modesto Bee. November 23, 1997. pp. H2.
- ^ ProQuest 280626184.
- ^ "How the Message is Packed". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 4, 1993. pp. E6.
- ^ ISBN 1-57806-849-5.
- ^ "Children's Entertainer Walker Edmiston, 81, Dies". Los Angeles Times. February 27, 2007. pp. B8.
- ^ "Farewell to our friend Dave Madden, voice of Bernard Walton". Adventures in Odyssey. February 5, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
- ISBN 1-56179-466-X.
- ^ "Tacoma Voice Has National Role". The News Tribune. February 6, 1999. pp. A6.
- St. Petersburg Times. July 29, 1995. pp. E6.
- ^ "Christian Ministry Focus on the Family Enters the Mainstream Video Market". September 2, 2002. Retrieved May 17, 2009.
- ^ a b "Focus on the Family cartoons". Gazette Telegraph. January 25, 1992. pp. D1.
- ^ "Fast meals with kid frills". Houston Chronicle. September 21, 1990. p. 1.
- ^ "Odyssey Podcasts". WhitsEnd.org. Archived from the original on February 22, 2009. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- ^ "Whit's Up?". Spotify. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved December 23, 2021.
- ^ Consisting of 13 animated DVDs and 4 'New Series' animated DVDs — Whit's End CDs DVDs
- ^ Cummings, Betsy (March 2, 2006). "Praise the Lord and Pass the Joystick". The New York Times. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
- ^ "Adventure in Odyssey - Passages". Mid-Continent Public Library. Archived from the original on July 12, 2007. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- ^ "Adventures in Odyssey - Kidsboro". Mid-Continent Public Library. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- Billboard Magazine. Vol. 110, no. 16. April 18, 1998. p. 59.
- ^ Es, Martijn van (February 19, 2006). "Adventures in Odyssey: The Treasure of the Incas review". Adventure Gamers. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- ^ Rice, Joyce (October 1, 2006). "Adventures in Odyssey and the Sword of the Spirit". School Library Journal. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
- Wired News. August 4, 2005. Retrieved January 4, 2008.
- ^ Collins, Lois M. (August 11, 2005). "'Odyssey' games engaging and crafty". Deseret News. Retrieved February 15, 2009.
- ^ "The Imagination Station (book series)". AIO Wiki. May 14, 2020. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
- ^ "The Odyssey Scoop - Win Adventures in Odyssey Prizes!". www.odysseyscoop.com.
- ^ "Paul McCusker Writes. A Bit". November 2, 2021. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
- ^ "'Radio Theatre': Tales with a Message". December 12, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
Further reading
- Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide--25th Birthday Edition : ISBN 1-58997-719-X
- Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide : ISBN 1-58997-475-1
- The Complete Guide to Adventures in Odyssey : ISBN 1-56179-466-X
External links
- Official website
- Adventures in Odyssey Club
- The Odyssey Scoop
- Adventures in Odyssey Wiki
- Adventures in Odyssey video series at the Internet Movie Database
- Quotations related to Adventures in Odyssey at Wikiquote
- Media related to Adventures in Odyssey at Wikimedia Commons