Elgin troupe to stage radio drama of 'It's a Wonderful Life'

Elgin Theatre Company will head up its 59th season with “It's A Wonderful Life” at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 20, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 at the Kimball Street Theatre in the Ryder Center of the Elgin Academy, Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue in Elgin.

“It's A Wonderful Life” is a faithful radio drama adaptation of Frank Capra's classic film. The play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Actors play multiple characters and crew produce the live sound effects. There are sounds of doors, bells, footsteps plus some ingenious contraptions, which help create the mood and are a joy to watch.

George Bailey lives in the small town of Bedford Falls. When his father dies, George has to manage the family company instead of going to college. He finds happiness in his marriage to Mary Hatch, but major troubles follow him. He feels that everyone would be better off if he had never been born, and on Christmas Eve thinks of suicide. His guardian angel, Clarence, is sent to earth to save him. Clarence grants George his wish: to see what Bedford Falls would be like if he had never been born. Shortly George realizes how important he was to others and begs to have his life back. Clarence grants it and George runs home to his wife, children and a town that rallies to support him.

Finally, George realizes it truly is a wonderful life.

Tickets are $12 or $10 for seniors and youth. Group rates are available. For tickets, visit elgin-theatre.org, e-mail tickets@inil.com or call (847) 741-0532.