 Wennersten contacted Sparks when <unk> <unk> , the head of SR Radioteatern , decided that the station would produce a number of new musicals . She thought Sparks would be suitable for the format : " They are a bit extravagant ; they have a larger @-@ than @-@ life quality , and above all , they make music that is colourful enough for it not to feel like you miss a visual component . " Sparks were initially somewhat surprised by the invitation to write a musical for Swedish radio , and were hesitant to take on the project . However , after several months of persuasive effort from Wennersten , via e @-@ mail and telephone , they decided to accept the challenge . " We originally thought of it as a side project between albums , but once we started working on it , it took on a bigger life , " Sparks have said . " As Americans we have almost abandoned radio drama and it was truly exhilarating for us to work in a medium where the imagination of the listener is so integral a part of the work . Aside from our love of Bergman , we have a love of Orson Welles and his use of the medium of radio was something that inspired us in this work . " 
