(LENOX, Mass.) – “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” inspired by the classic 1946 film starring Donna Reed and James Stewart, returns to Shakespeare & Company for a limited run through December 28, 2014. Adapted by Joe Landry from the original screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Joe Swerling, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” reunites director Jenna Ware with the cast from the 2013 Shakespeare & Company hit production.
Set in a radio studio on a snowy Christmas Eve in 1946, five radio personalities are live, on-air, retelling the American Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” before a studio audience. In a time before televisions and iPhone apps, Americans relied on their radios for news and entertainment, so in true ‘Lux Radio Theatre’ fashion, only five actors play all 50 roles and create all the live sounds effects in the show. The play also includes radio jingles, and popular holiday and Christmas songs reminiscent of the time.

“I think one of the reasons ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ was such a success last year is because of the iconic nature of the story and the way this script lets us tell that story with its ingenious concept of staging it as an authentic 1946 radio play,” says director Jenna Ware. Complete with all the original elements of radio theatre of the time — Foley artistry, period sound effects, period costumes, and historically accurate commercials and news reporting — the play, while honoring that tradition, also makes it a unique experience for a modern audience.

The heart of the play follows the story of George Bailey, the owner of a building and loan association in the small town of Bedford Falls, N.Y. When an $8,000 bank deposit is lost, George faces dire consequences that threaten to ruin his business, as well as his personal and family life. Just as George falls deeper into despair, an “angel” named Clarence appears. Clarence takes George on an “other-worldly” journey to show him what the world would’ve been like if he had never been born. George in turn discovers the true meaning of Christmas —the delicate balance between giving from the heart and embracing our challenges, and celebrating the present.

“Holidays tend to celebrate rituals,” adds Ware, “whether it’s seeing a play, a favorite movie, or taking part in a family gathering or traditional dinner. Each year as we grow older the rituals remain the same, but we come to them changed — as we age, we say goodbye to those close to us and welcome new life. As we rehearse the play a year later, we also look at it with different eyes and as we rediscover the play we’ve been able to find new moments along the way.”

Once again audiences get to watch their favorite Shakespeare & Company actors slip seamlessly from one role to another, transforming the Bernstein Theatre into a 1940s radio studio. The cast features Jonathan Croy, Jennie M. Jadow, David Joseph, Sarah Jeanette Taylor and Ryan Winkles.

“It’s a Wonderful Life is the American version of ‘A Christmas Carol’,” continues Ware. “This classic story is about looking back on your life and seeing what impact you have had on the people around you, what impact your decisions have had, and how there is virtue in making decisions that are the best for others and not for ego or self-gain. And what we learn along with George Bailey is that life matters; what we do matters, how we treat each other matters and who we love matters.”

Performances run in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, weekends only, December 5 through December 28.

 

Performance Dates

Friday, December 5/ 7:30                                               Friday December 19/ 7:30

Saturday, December 6 7:30pm                                     Saturday, December 20/ 2:00 AND 7:30

Sunday, December 7/ 2:00                                           Sunday, December 21/ 2:00

Friday, December 12/ 7:30                                             Friday, December 26/ 7:30

Saturday December 13/ 7:30                                       Saturday, December 27/ 2:00 AND 7:30

Sunday, December 14/ 2:00                                         Sunday, December 28 / CLOSING 2:00