Theatre Program Presents ‘A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’

University of Findlay’s Theatre Program will present “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry livestreamed via Broadway on Demand. The showtimes will be on Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.

Inspired by Frank Capra’s classic holiday film, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” brings the spirit of the season to life on stage. It’s Christmas Eve, 1946, and six actors have gathered in WMAQ Studio A for a live radio broadcast, ready to take on dozens of characters and recreate Bedford Falls with foley sound effects and virtuosic, high-energy performances. Even the cynics among us will cheer as George Bailey, standing on the brink of despair, famously learns the true spirit of Christmas. Let your imagination build the scene and see the story anew with this nostalgic and spirit-lifting tale.

Adapted by Joe Landry, produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc., The Chicago Tribune calls it, “A well-loved tale told with style, charm and a heart so big it could burst the ribcage of the harshest Grinch.”

The livestreamed performance will be free as a gift to the Findlay community from the Theatre Program. Access tickets to view the livestreamed performance on the Visual Performing Arts calendar of events webpage.

Learn more about University of Findlay’s Theatre Program on their webpage.

 Cast:

• Jack Yeater will play 1940s actor Freddie Filmore. Freddie performs Announcer, Gower, Potter, Billy, Joseph, Peter Bailey, Ernie, Old Man Collins, Ed, Pete, Man (at Martini’s), Nick, Bridge Keeper, Binky, and Cop.
• Eli Garmon will play 1940s actor Jake Laurents. Jake performs George Bailey and Young George.
• Abbi Starcher will play 1940s actor Sally Applewhite. Sally performs Mary Hatch (and Young Mary).
• Kaylee Furge will play 1940s actor Lana Sherwood. Lana plays Violet (and young Violet), Rose Bailey, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson, Schultz, Janie, and foley.
• Eliza Brisbin will play 1940s actor Marjorie Applebee. Marjorie plays Zuzu, Matilda, Ruth, Man (at run on bank), Sadie Vance, piano and foley.
• Robbie Riffle will play 1940s actor Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood. He performs Harry (and Young Harry), Bert, Clarence, Sam Wainwright, Martini, Dr. Campbell, Charlie, Horace the Teller, Mr. Welch, Tommy, Sheriff, and foley.
• Ethan Hockaday is our lead Foley Artist for this production.

Design and Production Team:

• Director: Meriah Sage
• Set design: Dustin Druckman and Devon King with scenic Painting by Dot Johnson
• 1940s Costume Design: Kathy Newell.
• Lighting Design and Technical Direction: Dustin Druckman
• Props Design and Production Management: Devon King
• Stage Manager: Elaine Schaffter
• Assistant Stage Manager: Evie Lundbom and Daniel White
• Sound Design: Kordell Harr, India Miller, and Ethan Hockaday
• Theatre Scholarship students and students from THEA187: Lighting Design are assisting with building set and costumes, handling/focusing lights, and gathering props, etc.