Libertyville playhouse’s Radio Players to stage holiday classic
The Improv Playhouse Radio Players, professional drama troupe of the Libertyville-based theater company, is performing the live staged radio drama “Miracle on 34th Street” for a two-weekend run in Libertyville.
The story won a Best Screen Writing Oscar and Best Supporting Actor for Edmund Gwenn in 1948. Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara were the original stars of this production.
David Stuart, Improv Playhouse executive producer, said it’s a tale of tested faith and the retention of tradition that resonates with all who celebrate the winter holidays.
“One of the characters,” Stuart said, “makes this statement … ‘Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don’t you see? It’s not just Kris that’s on trial, it’s everything he stands for. It’s kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles.’”
The I.P. Theater is at 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Performances are Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, Dec. 8 and 15, at 2 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are $17.50 for adults and $12.50 for seniors, students, military; $20 and $15 at the door. Recommended for ages 7 and older
For tickets, call (847) 968-4529 or visit www.improvplayhouse.com.
The cast is packed with character acting talent, including veteran actor Egon Schein from Libertyville (Kris Kringle), SAG-AFTRA actors George Elliott (Hainesville) and Mia Herschel (Lake Zurich). Additional cast members include Eric Schaefges (Lake Zurich), Erin Clark (Crystal Lake), Jon-Michael Armstrong (Libertyville) and Debbie Schreiner (Des Plaines).
Several youngsters from Lake County play the child roles.
“Our young actors are just terrific and have been in many of our youth productions,” Stuart said. “They are the perfect fit to play the young Natalie Wood role.”
Rehearsals go into the detail of training all actors on microphone use, blocking, vocal technique and script handling, Stuart said.
“Radio drama, to be re-enacted accurately, is a far more intricate exercise than people realize. Proximity to the microphones, proper use of voice and script is critical to pulling off a polished, intimate and professional show … it’s really very similar to how live radio drama was performed in front of audiences back in the ’20s to ’50s.”
From the moment you walk through the doors, you will be transported back to the Golden Age of Radio and experience the story of yesteryear like never before, Stuart said. Critics have called this production “perfect Christmas theater” and “great festive entertainment.”
Inquire about special dinner packages with Trattoria Pomigliano. Hot apple cider will be served from Hansa Coffee Roasters.