Improv Playhouse set to do reading of 'It's a Wonderful Life'

This may not be the usual way people see or hear the holiday classic, "It's A Wonderful Life."

Improv Playhouse will present a dramatic presentation of the original CBS Inc. radio script of "It's A Wonderful Life," first produced over 50 years ago.

Performances will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, 2007 Civic Center Way.

Director David Stuart recalls growing up listening to radio dramas, mesmerized to the voices as they dramatize classic stories including "Those Were the Days," "The Lone Ranger" and "The Shadow."

"What I grew up to learn was imagination of the mind, to visualize dramas in my head. Radio plays became what I imagined them to be," he said.

Nine actors seated before three microphones will perform. The audience will hear word for word what they would see in the film's script, although Stuart adds it is not a story reading.

"Just as actors, you have to get physical," he said.

Stuart plays George Bailey. He is not trying to re-enact Jimmy Stewart's performance but adds the script requires some stammering.

"I do conjure up a bit of Jimmy by what the script brings to the table," he said.

Bethany Kuper of Gurnee plays Mary Hatch (Bailey), and Clarence will be played by Egon Shein of Libertyville, who Stuart calls one of Lake County's hidden jewels.

"He captures the essence of this lonely angel that has never gotten his wings," Stuart said. "He chose to save George Bailey from making a mistake that could impair literally the lives of people in this town."

Stuart said the magic about radio dramas is actors can play various roles - young, old, good and evil - in one story. Jim Hoskinson of Libertyville will play young George and Sam Wainwright. Barb Selvaggio of Vernon Hills plays ZuZu, Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Hatch. Dave Retseck plays Joseph, the superintendent of angels and Harry Bailey. Rounding out the cast are ensemble members Ben Sanders and Paul Safyan.

In addition to playing Mr. Gower, Steve Dillie will help provide the live sound effects through the show. Stuart said they will use broken glass, a door opening and shutting, shoes on a table to replicate the sound of a person walking upstairs, bells and ringers to add sounds to the story.

Stuart said this is a feel-good story, something that people need to hear right now.

"There are many who are feeling down right now. They need to be encouraged that there is something good on this earth. It is us," he said.

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $7 for students, seniors and military. For tickets, call (847) 201-9032.