FictionDramaScience Fiction

Lake Song

Make-Believe Association

OFFICIAL SELECTION -- Tribeca Festival Audio Premieres. It's 2098 and the Republic of Chicago has what the world needs: fresh water. But with new opportunities come new threats, especially for a pair of siblings on the South Side. Can the people come together to save their city—and each other?
Combining sci-fi and music, politics and poetry, Lake Song is a collective response to our times, and a shared dream of our future.

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16 episodes
Avg 24 min
English

Episodes 16

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July 29 · 43 min
Ready for More Odysseys?
Listen to Lost Books of the Odyssey, Make-Believe's acclaimed audio drama in which Odysseus goes on five new adventures. "Heartbreaking, resonant, darkly hilarious" – The A.V. Club. First released in 2019. ---------------------- Lost Books of the Odyssey By Jeremy McCarter Adapted from the novel by Zachary Mason Music composed and sound team led by Mikhail Fiksel Directed by Jess McLeod Executive produced by Jeremy McCarter CAST (in order of playing Odysseus) Kareem Bandealy Kristina Valada-Viars Lily Mojekwu Ian Paul Custer Henry Godinez SOUND TEAM Sound designer - Mikhail Fiksel Associate sound designer and audio technician - Robert Hornbostel Recording engineer - Joe Palermo PRODUCTION STAFF Production manager - Madeleine Borg Stage manager - Brennan T. Jones Community manager - Kaitlin Fine POST-PRODUCTION Editing, mixing, and additional recording by Mikhail Fiksel Additional sound design, final mixing and mastering by Joe Palermo Graphic design by Carly Pearlman Equipment provided by TechMagic Designs Make-Believe theme music by Mikhail Fiksel SPECIAL THANKS Catherine Allen and The Den Theater; Brian Bannon and the staff of Chicago Public Library; Carolyn Casselman of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison; Bill Clegg; Nancy García Loza; Nate Marshall; Kevin Reader, Max Temkin, and Cards Against Humanity; Chris Rooney; SAG-AFTRA. PRODUCTION SPONSORS The Chauncey and Marion Deering McCormick Family Foundation, for an essential launch grant The Poetry Foundation, our lead season sponsor Joyce Chelberg, whose generosity supports the work of Make-Believe's actors All our donors and supporters To support Make-Believe with a tax-deductible contribution, please visit: https://makebelieve.fm/support-us/ To contact Make-Believe, email us at talk@makebelieve.fm
Jun 25, 2025 · 34 min
Introducing: HAMLET
Make-Believe is proud to present the follow-up to "Lake Song", a revelatory new take on the most famous play ever written. Our "Hamlet" takes you inside the prince's head, letting you hear the story entirely through his ears. Featuring an astonishing cast led by Daniel Kyri and binaural sound design by Mikhail Fiksel, "Hamlet" had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025. All six episodes are available at hamlet.fm and wherever you listen to podcasts.
#12
Dec 21, 2022 · 21 min
Singing Free | Episode 12
Series finale. After the storm, the city and its people ask: What do we do with our freedom? LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Billy Branch, Lorena Diaz, Delia Kropp, Daniel Kyri, Esme Perez, Deanna Reed-Foster, and A.C. Smith Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Chicago Strut" Written and performed by Giorgio Di Campo Via Freesound For full credits and to learn more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#11
Dec 14, 2022 · 28 min
Stretch Out Your Hand | Episode 11
Siren poses a final, deadly challenge for Wade, Dee, and everyone they love. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Billy Branch, Lillian Charles, Eduardo Curley-Carrillo, Lorena Diaz, Delia Kropp, James Vincent Meredith, Esme Perez, Justin Reed, Deanna Reed-Foster, A.C. Smith, and Kristina Valada Viars Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Lake Song Finale" Written by Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, and Jeremy McCarter Performed by Billy Branch, Sydney Charles, and the cast For full credits and to learn more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#10
Dec 7, 2022 · 24 min
Boat Trouble | Episode 10
Dee and Wade try to repair what's been broken for so long. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Delia Kropp, Daniel Kyri, Al'Jaleel McGhee, James Vincent Meredith, and Mia Park Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch For full credits and more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#9
Nov 30, 2022 · 29 min
Spiraling | Episode 9
As the Siren plan tears the city apart, Wade investigates what's really going on; Dee, alone and grieving, tries to make a fresh start--and tries, and tries. . . . LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Brenda Barrie, Rammel Chan, Lillian Charles, Eduardo Curley-Carrillo, Ian Paul Custer, Lorena Diaz, Eddie Martinez, James Vincent Meredith, Al'Jaleel McGhee, Mia Park, Deanna Reed-Foster, A.C. Smith, and Kristina Valada Viars Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Dee's Shanty (Reprise)" Written and performed by Sydney Charles For full credits and more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#8
Nov 23, 2022 · 15 min
Fair Share | Episode 8
In spite of Wade's promises, the Siren plan begins to disrupt the city; Dee, bewildered by Mira, runs from her grief. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Billy Branch, Delia Kropp, Daniel Kyri, and James Vincent Meredith Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch For full credits and more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#7
Nov 16, 2022 · 29 min
Outsiders | Episode 7
It's 2099, and Siren is remaking Chicago. Wade revels in his newfound success, but Dee struggles to hold onto her place in the family. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Billy Branch, Eduardo Curley-Carrillo, Delia Kropp, Esme Perez, Deanna Reed-Foster, A.C. Smith, and AnJi White Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Sweet Home Chicago" Written by Robert Leroy Johnson MPCA Kings of Spades / Standing Ovation and Encore Music By arrangement with Concord For full credits and more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#6
Nov 9, 2022 · 21 min
Astronauts | Episode 6
A song sends a strange new energy rippling across the city, as Dee and Wade collide. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Billy Branch, Lillian Charles, Daniel Kyri, James Vincent Meredith, Esme Perez, Justin Reed, Deanna Reed-Foster, and A.C. Smith Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch For full credits and more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#5
Nov 2, 2022 · 24 min
The Catch | Episode 5
Dee is threatened by a direct challenge from Mira; with the Siren plan hanging in the balance, the whole city challenges Wade. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Brenda Barrie, Billy Branch, Rammel Chan, Lillian Charles, Robert Cornelius, Eduardo Curley-Carrillo, Lorena Diaz, Delia Kropp, Eddie Martinez, James Vincent Meredith, Mia Park, Esme Perez, Justin Reed, and Kristina Valada-Viars Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Las Tres Hermanas" Written and performed by Eréndira Izguerra and Eduardo Curley-Carrillo For full credits and more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate/review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#4
Oct 26, 2022 · 22 min
Like a Basket Weave | Episode 4
Dee wants her old life back, but Mira has other ideas; Wade struggles -- mostly with himself -- to become the face of Siren Galactic's plan. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Eduardo Curley-Carrillo, Daniel Kyri, Esme Perez, Deanna Reed-Foster, and A.C. Smith Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Las Tres Hermanas" Written and performed by Eréndira Izguerra and Eduardo Curley-Carrillo For full credits and more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#3
Oct 19, 2022 · 21 min
All the Coffee in the World | Episode 3
Dee discovers there's more to Mira than she realized; Wade copes with new pressures -- and possibilities -- at City Hall. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade. With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Robert Cornelius, Delia Kropp, Daniel Kyri, Eddie Martinez, James Vincent Meredith, and Esme Perez. Original score composed by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch. For full credits and to learn more, visit lakesong.fm. Please rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts!
#2
Oct 13, 2022 · 23 min
Vitruvius | Episode 2
Wade hears an audacious plan that would remake the city; Dee tries to solve the mystery of a strange girl who shouldn't be there. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars. Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Lorena Diaz, Daniel Kyri, James Vincent Meredith, Esme Perez, Justin Reed, and Kristina Valada-Viars Original score composed and produced by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Dee's Shanty" Written and performed by Sydney Charles For full credits and to learn more, visit lakesong.fm.
#1
Oct 13, 2022 · 41 min
Bow Towards the Wind | Episode 1
In 2098, a shocking death plunges the Republic of Chicago into crisis, upending life for Wade and his sister Dee. LAKE SONG is co-created by Laura Alcalá Baker, Sydney Charles, Mikhail Fiksel, Nate Marshall, Jeremy McCarter, Natalie Moore, and Kristina Valada-Viars Starring Sydney Charles as Dee and Marcus D. Moore as Wade With Ayanna Bria Bakari, Brenda Barrie, Billy Branch, Rammel Chan, Eduardo Curley-Carrillo, Delia Kropp, Daniel Kyri, Eddie Martinez, James Vincent Meredith, Mia Park, Esme Perez, Deanna Reed-Foster, A.C. Smith, and AnJi White Original score composed and produced by Mikhail Fiksel, featuring Billy Branch "Backwater Blues" Written by Bessie Smith Performed by Sumito Ariyoshi, Billy Branch, and Sydney Charles By arrangement with MPL Music Publishing For full credits and to learn more, visit lakesong.fm.
Oct 6, 2022 · 3 min
Trailer 2: Chicago Poets--Past, Present, Future
Lake Song co-creator Nate Marshall talks about what Chicago poets have always done. . . and what they're *going* to do. Lake Song, the epic new audio-drama series from Make-Believe Association, will debut October 12 as an official selection of Tribeca Audio. For more, visit lakesong.fm.
Aug 26, 2022 · 1 min
Trailer: Lake Song
It's 2098 and the Republic of Chicago has what the world needs: fresh water. But with new opportunities come new threats, especially for one family on the South Side. Can the people come together to save their city—and each other? Lake Song is the joint creation of seven multidisciplinary Chicagoans. Combining sci-fi and music, politics and poetry, it's a collective response to our times, and a shared dream of our future. The epic audio-drama series will premiere in October, with a new episode each week. Produced by the acclaimed audio storytelling company Make-Believe Association.

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