Improv Playhouse to stage 'It's a Wonderful Life'
Improv Playhouse Radio Theatre presents an evening of radio drama from yesteryear for today - The Frank Capra holiday film classic "It's a Wonderful Life."
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 turn out if he had never been born.
Come and see how live radio was performed way back when. Improv Playhouse, the Libertyville-based theater company, is performing the professional, live staged radio drama "It's a Wonderful Life" for a two-weekend run in Libertyville.
"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 professional actors, including SAG-AFTRA actors Stuart as George Bailey (Libertyville); Mia Hirschel as Violet (Lake Zurich); and Hainesville resident George Elliott as the Superintendent Angel; with Chicago's Angie Fisher in the lead as Mary Hatch.
Veteran character actor Egon Schein from Libertyville as Clarence and Mr. Potter; Michael Scott Blackman, Steve and Dan Plumhoff of Gurnee, Adam Mizner and August Stamper of Chicago round out the adult cast, with youngsters Zoey Mueller and Lauren Barry of Libertyville splitting the role of Zuzu on alternate dates. Adult actors play some of the child roles.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is the quintessential holiday tale of George Bailey familiar to most and regarded as perhaps the best Christmas movie ever made. To take this story and set it in a 1940s radio studio, complete with commercials and a sound effects artist, is a great concept, and it is clear why this show has become a staple of the holiday season in Libertyville.
"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, plus Nick's Bar will be only serving milk, hot chocolate and cookies," says Stuart.
There will be five performances: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 15, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sunday, Dec. 9 and 16. The production is approximately one hour 15 minutes long.
The Improv Theater is at 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Pre-sale tickets are $15 for adults, $10 seniors/military, and $5 students. Tickets at the door are $20, $15 and $5. The radio play is recommended for ages 7 and older.
To order tickets, call (847) 968.4529 or purchase online at www.improvplayhouse.com.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.