This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. The story contained all the well-known and loved scenes from It’s a Wonderful Life, but set in a radio station, with performers of all ages. The show also included the added bonus of a performance of some holiday favorites by the WBFR Mistletones.
The story of PVTC’s production of
PVTC’s second production was the perfect way to bring in the holiday season! The script for this version of the timeless tale was taken, in large part, directly from the memorable quotes from the movie version, starring Jimmy Stewart. Most cast members, local performers from around Fort Morgan, got the chance to play multiple roles, testing out their voice-acting chops on stage in front of a live audience. Additionally, this show incorporated the time-honored art of foley sound effects, or sound effects that are made live, in the moment, by someone on stage. In this case, the foley artists were Juanita Siegling and Nancy Hochanadel, who were seated upstage on a platform raised above the rest of the cast – they made sound effects using buckets of water, high heeled shoes, miniature doors, and much more, all with the perfect timing. The “radio station” set came complete with light up “ON AIR” and “APPLAUSE” signs, and of course, Christmas decorations galore.
Crew
Director: Morgan Larsen
Technical Director: Nate Howe
Props Coordinator: John Carlson
Assistant Director: Judah Doughty
WBFR Mistletones Director: Sam Baldwin
Props Master: Elizabeth Liston
Lights: Miranda Arteaga
Sound: Ben Garduno
Run Crew: Kristen Frasco
Silent Auction Coordinator: Brenda Hofman
Cast
Chrisnel Akele: Ernie, Martini, Ed
Meryle Akele: Zuzu, Young Violet
Dj Barrett: Rose Bailey
Walter Barrett: Mr. Potter, Bert, Binky
Shirley Bowles: Violet Bick
Kassi Brent: Mary Bailey, Young Mary
Elyssa Buettell: Harriet, Cop, Stage Manager
Conner Gerken: Joseph, Harry Bailey
Mrs. Hatch: Elizabeth Hendrickson
Nancy Hochanadel: Ruth Bailey, Charlie, Foley Operator
Matthew Hofman: George Bailey
Lillian Jones: Janie, Mrs. Thompson
Conor Kokes: Clarence, Freddie Fillmore, Dr. Campbell
Ricky Musgrave: Peter Bailey, Young Harry, Tommy, Mr. Collins
Sara Parker: Bridge Keeper, Pete, Sheriff
Juanita Siegling: Matilda, Woman, Foley Operator
Kyle Wunsch: Billy, Nick, Sam Wainwright
Ed Zorn: Mr. Gower, Mr. Welch
Nathan Howe: Studio Pianist
The WBFR Mistletones: Sam Baldwin, Kyla Carpenter, Conner Gerken, Matthew Hofman