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It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (2009) by Cygnet Theatre Company After seeing this mind-jolting, heart-warming performance by Cygnet Theatre Company in Old Town Theatre, I left the “studio” feeling lighter and maybe a little wiser -- definitely appreciating the magical ability of live theatre to enlighten and transform the spirit! Performed annually by Cygnet Theatre Company for the past three seasons and now in its first season at Cygnet’s Old Town Theatre venue, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play could easily become a holiday tradition for savvy theatre patrons, outpacing an informal holiday tradition the 1946 black-and-white movie starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore (yes, Drew’s granduncle) has become for generations of television viewers. Landry adapted the original screenplay (authored by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Jo Swerling, and the film’s director Frank Capra) which was itself loosely based on the short story "The Greatest Gift" written by Philip Van Doren Stern,. The screenplay had several radio adaptations in the 40’s and 50’s, including those for which James Stewart and Donna Reed reprised their roles as George and Mary Bailey in a 1947 Lux Radio Theatre broadcast on March 10, 1947, and The Screen Guild Theater‘s December 29, 1947 and March 15, 1951 broadcasts. Stewart also starred in the May 8, 1949 radio adaptation for the Screen Director’s Playhouse. Imagine, if you can, what it would have been like to have been one of the fortunate few in the radio studio during one of those early broadcasts – say, Christmas Eve, 1947 at the famous Lux Radio Theatre in Manhattan. Escaping from the snowy cold of last minute shopping, perhaps weary, maybe even despairing engrossed in holiday blues or caught up with your purchases and what you yourself hope to gain this season, somewhat distractedly, you take your seat in the studio’s audience section. Scanning the broadcast area with its standing mikes, actors milling about, a traditional Christmas tree, a sound effects man tinkering with his tools of the trade, you attempt to read the program, when one of the actors approaches you and chatters on and on about the blizzard outside, your Christmas day plans (?), etc., etc. Yes, you know what this is – he, along with others, is “warming up” the audience for the broadcast to come. Sean Murray directs an outstanding ensemble of actors playing actors who pulled me into a remarkable theatrical experience and provided me with much more than “the true meaning of Christmas”. Go. Allow yourself to “let yourself go” with the experience. Do not miss this production. Cygnet Theatre Company’s It’s A Wonderful Life: A live Radio Play transcends The Season! Carolyn Passeneau It’s A Wonderful Life: A live Radio Play Adapted by Joe Landry Cast List Tom Andrew...George Bailey Designers and Crew Director...Sean Murray Show Times |
