South Elgin High School presents 'It's a Wonderful Life'
"It's a Wonderful Life" is so strong and so deeply embedded in our consciousness that it can be taken off the big screen and put on the small stage as a radio play and lose none of its power and luminosity.
South Elgin High School's production, which runs Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 13-15, proves the point.
In one sense this Christmas classic parallels the life and experience of its main character. The original 1946 movie, produced and directed by Frank Capra, was a box-office disappointment at first. Just like its hero, George Bailey, it took time to find its true value. George learns in the end that his life means so much to all the people of his town Bedford Falls, just as the movie has come to mean so much to all of us.
This idea impressed itself on South Elgin High School cast members.
Ashley Taylor, who plays Mary Hatch, George's sweetheart and wife, said, "When George is giving up, he's shown that even though he thinks he's insignificant, he does play a big role in this little town of Bedford Falls."
Connor Murray, who plays multiple characters including young George and Mr. Martini, observes, "The message it gives is: Never give up hope. There's always something to live for, no matter how rough things can get."
Joseph Beaty, who plays George, said, "A lot of people feel they don't really affect the world. This is a story about someone who was pretty normal but still had a profound effect on things. I think people like to think that might be the case for their lives as well."
The play, written by Joe Landry and based closely on the film, creates two worlds. Through word, emotion, and sound effects it evokes the reality of George Bailey and Bedford falls, while the set establishes the realm of radio drama.
The stage is the inside of a 1940s radio station. The actors gather around old-fashioned microphones. They are dressed like actors of that era, not as Bedford Falls citizens. Some play multiple parts. There are even moments when the same actor has to have dialogue with himself or herself as two different characters. Actors do their own sound effects. There will even be radio commercials and live background music.
In our world of high-definition TV and mesmerizing cinematic effects, we forget the power radio drama has to kindle in the imagination a whole world of image, character, and feeling and what a lovely and moving experience that can be. This production takes the audience to that world.
The production is directed by Holly McNeil, SEHS teacher in fine arts and drama. Karen Brhel, director of SEHS choirs and orchestras, is coordinating costumes. Brian Leatherby and his tech club built the set. Phil Baron designed the program, poster, and T-shirt. McNeill is in charge of tickets. Kurt Dobbeck, SEHS band director, and some of his musicians are providing live music.
Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov, 13-15, in the South Elgin High School auditorium, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. For reservations, call Holly McNeill at (847) 289-3760 ext. 3377. The box office will open one hour before each performance for purchasing reserved seats.
If you go
What: South Elgin High School's production of "It's a Wonderful Life" as a live radio play
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov, 13-15
Where: South Elgin High School auditorium, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin
Tickets: $8, $6 for students and seniors
Details: For reservations, call Holly McNeill at (847) 289-3760 ext. 3377. The box office will open one hour before each performance for purchasing reserved seats.