Improv Playhouse to stage 'It's a Wonderful Life' as radio play
Improv Playhouse Theatre returns to bring audiences a live-staged radio play of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life."
In celebration of this classic film, the production promises a unique and theatrical experience, transporting the audience to a 1940s radio studio, complete with commercials and a sound effects engineer.
Members of the IP Traveling Troupe will serenade patrons with festive holiday songs as they arrive to the theater for several performances.
"This is a story of love, loss, and redemption, where the lead character finds he's at the end of all hope on Christmas Eve, 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.
The talented cast features 12 actors, including SAG-AFTRA actors David Brian Stuart of Libertyville as George Bailey, Mia Hirschel of Lake Zurich as Mary Hatch and George Elliott of Hainesville as the Superintendent Angel.
Veteran character actor Egon Schein from Libertyville plays Clarence and Mr. Potter, while Steve Plumhoff of Gurnee, Dan Ness of Palatine, Susan Kries of Vernon Hills, Mary Mascari of Waukegan, Ted Rafferty of Schaumburg and Jerry Hirschel of Lake Zurich round out the adult cast.
Several youngsters from the Improv Playhouse Training Center will alternate in the role of Zuzu and Janey, with adult actors portraying some of the other child roles.
"To infuse the announcement with the spirit of the film," Stuart said, "among the favorite adapted lines audiences will hear from the original script will be, 'What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word, and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.'"
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Improv Playhouse Annex, located next to the theater space, will host a Bedford Falls Winter Wonderland. Attendees can immerse themselves in memorabilia from the "Wonderful Life" era, including posters, artwork and props from the film. Access to Bedford Falls Winter Wonderland is complimentary for all ticket holders.
There will be five performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. The production runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Presale tickets are available for $20 for adults, $17.50 for seniors, and $7.50 for students. Tickets at the door are $22.50 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students. The radio play is recommended for ages 7 and older.
For more information and to purchase tickets, call (847) 968-4529 or visit improvplayhouse.com.
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