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| Photo Credit: Merrimack Repertory Theatre |
“It’s
a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”, adapted by Joe Landry, is a presentation
of the classic film as a 1940’s radio drama. The story of George Bailey comes
to life as five talented actors gather around microphones to voice over 40
characters and create superb sound effects live onstage. The audience itself
plays the role of the live studio audience and is encouraged from the start to
react to the story as it plays out to “help the listeners at home fully enjoy
the story”. The radio station, WMRT, brought
the audience, many of whom could have been around during the glory days of
radio programing, back in time to a Christmas Eve performance of one of the
most beloved holiday stories.
A
large part of the play includes the cast creating live sound effects;
everything from crunching snow to wind to splashing water to moving vehicles in
addition to a few dozen other effects. Each of these was executed effortlessly
and skillfully by the cast. Amanda Williams did a fantastic job as Scenic
Designer creating a detailed and prop filled set that was fully utilized
throughout the play. Together with Sound Designer Jonathan Mastro and Lighting
Designer Carter Miller they masterfully created a realistic and fully
functional radio station stage that gave the cast everything they needed to
brilliantly bring this story to life.
The
five incredibly talented actors were directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian and
include Jason Bowen, Joel Colodner, Veronika Duerr, Nael Nacer and Celeste
Oliva. Each actor delivered unique characterizations and vocal diversity for
each of their various characters throughout the play. As a group they worked
together seamlessly and were wonderfully dynamic and compelling. From the
moment they walked on stage they captured the audience’s attention and it
wasn’t long before they captured their hearts with their magnificent performances.
The
play, running at 90 minutes with no intermission, flew by and fully enthralled
the audience from start to finish. Simply put this show will make you laugh, make you
cry and warm your heart on the coldest of winter nights.
“It’s
a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” plays at Merrimack Repertory Theatre until
December 20th. Tickets range from $60-$23 and are selling fast so don’t
hesitate to book your seats for this must see holiday production. To purchase tickets or find more information
check out www.mrt.org/wonderful or call
978-654-4678.
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