![]() Incidentally, before the actual on-stage play begins, the cast members wander around the lobby and aisles of the house in character, wearing authentic, period outfits - all the while chatting with the arriving audience and handing out press releases they offer to autograph before the stage manager (Faith Daniels) gets things underway welcoming us to the “broadcast.”Īnd once the play is “on air,” she scurries about among the actors, making sure they’re where they should be (either in their chairs or at their mics or getting cups of water when needed) during the nonstop hour and 40 minutes. There’s also an “applause” sign that hangs above the left side of the stage that - as explained by actor/announcer Freddie Filmore (played by David Simms) - will be turned on when it’s time for response to the show’s sponsors’ advertising jingles (sung by the cast). This means the simple, but effective, scenic setup is that of a radio station where the play is being performed for a live studio audience (us). Of course, by then, we’ve gotten to know everyone living in Bedford Falls whose lives have intertwined with George’s over the years - and that’s who audiences will meet again as the actors (reading/portraying) all of the characters perform them in the format of a classic 1940’s era radio show. Therefore, assuming I don’t need to go into any great detail about all of the famous characters interactions - let’s just say that “all’s well that ends well” when a previously second-class angel finally “earns his wings” by saving George from himself. Hence, the title, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The poignant plot followed the realization (thanks to his guardian angel Clarence) of the disillusioned central character (George Bailey), that his own life (he’s tempted to end) is well worth living - because, without him around, so many other people’s lives would have been impacted in so many different ways. ![]() Long before “Rocky Horror” had houses who knew all of the plot, characters and famous lines, “Wonderful Life” drew us all in every time it aired on our home television screens during that year’s holiday season. ![]() ![]() In fact, it’s hard to imagine that any audience member who attends this current version at NCRT doesn’t already know chapter and verse about what they’ve come to see - and that’s why they came. And, it’s indeed the welcome return of the beloved story and characters first immortalized in Frank Capra’s iconic 1946 film. “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry is the perfect choice to round out NCRT’s 37th season of shows with a timeless production last staged as the company’s 32nd season’s holiday offering. ![]()
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