See radio drama 'It's A Wonderful Life' in Libertyville

Posted December 04, 2017 7:00 am

Improv Playhouse submission

David Brian Stuart, Improv Playhouse Executive Founding Producer, directs and stars as George Bailey in the Improv Playhouse Radio Players live staged radio production of "It's A Wonderful Life." The seventh annual production of the show will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at the I.P. Theater in Libertyville. Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

Come and see how live radio was performed way back when. The Improv Playhouse Radio Players, of the Libertyville-based theater company, will perform the live staged radio drama "It's A Wonderful Life" for a two-weekend run in Libertyville.

George Bailey spends his entire life giving up his big dreams for the good of his town. His guardian angel, Clarence, falls to Earth, literally, and shows him how his town, family and friends would have turned out if he had never been born.

"This is a story of redemption, where the lead character finds he's at the end of all hope, only to be presented with a new vision on how his life has affected so many," said David Brian Stuart, Improv Playhouse Executive Founding Producer, who is directing and starring in the role of George Bailey.

This is the seventh year for this holiday tradition. The cast features successful actors including Stuart, of Libertyville; Mia Hirschel of Lake Zurich, who plays Mary; and Hainesville resident George Elliott as the Superintendent Angel. Veteran character actor Egon Schein from Libertyville (playing Clarence/Potter), Kaytie Rivkin of Mount Prospect, Erik Martin of Barrington, Jerry Hirschel of Lake Zurich, Aaron Sjoholm of Wildwood, and Adam Mizner and Lara Dohner of Chicago round out the adult cast, along with additional youth ensemble members to be announced. Adult actors play some of the child roles, while young children have been cast to play the female child roles, including Zuzu.

"It's A Wonderful Life" is the quintessential holiday tale of George Bailey, familiar to most and regarded as one of the best Christmas movie ever made. Improv Playhouse takes this story and sets it in a 1940s radio studio complete with commercials and a sound-effects artist.

"This is a production that will delight all members of every family, from young to old; it emphasizes the joy of the holidays, the spirit of kindness, love and forgiveness so needed in our culture in a little over an hour," Stuart said, adding "Nick's Bar will be only serving milk, hot chocolate and cookies."

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 8 and 15, and Saturdays, Dec. 9 and 16. The production is approximately 75 minutes long. The I.P. Theater is at 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.

Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, and $5 for students; tickets at the door are $20, and $15 and $5 respectively. Recommended for ages 7 and up. To order tickets, call (847) 968.4529 or purchase online at www.improvplayhouse.com.

Mia Hirschel will play Mary in the Improv Playhouse Radio Players production of "It's A Wonderful Life." The show recreates an old-fashioned radio play, including commercials and a sound-effects artist. Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

George Elliot voices the Superintendent Angel in the Improv Playhouse Radio Players live staged radio production of "It's A Wonderful Life." Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.