Improv radio troupe presents 'It's a Wonderful Life'
Come and see how live radio was performed way back when as The Improv Playhouse Radio Players, part of the Libertyville-based theater company, perform the live staged radio drama "It's A Wonderful Life," based on Frank Capra's holiday film classic.
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.
"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 Improv Playhouse Executive Producer David Brian Stuart, who is directing and starring in the role of George Bailey.
This is the sixth year for this holiday tradition. The cast features actors including SAG-AFTRA actors Stuart of Libertyville; Mia Hirschel of Lake Zurich; and George Elliott of Hainesville as the Superintendent Angel.
Veteran character actor Egon Schein from Libertyville as Clarence/Potter, Renee Johnson of Antioch, Tom Reeves of Waukegan and newcomer Amy Bogseth of Wauconda as Mary round out the adult cast. Youth actors play some of the child roles, like Young George and Zuzu.
Improv Playhouse Radio Theatre takes this story and sets it in a 1940s radio studio, complete with commercials and a sound effects artist.
"This is a production that will delight all members of every family, from young to old," Stuart said. "It emphasizes the joy of the Christmas holiday in a little over an hour."
Six performances are planned: 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 12 and 19, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 13 and 20, The production is approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes.
The I.P. Theater is at 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Pre-sale tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and the military, and $10 for students. Tickets at the door are $5 more. Recommended for ages 7 and older.
To order tickets, call (847) 968-4529 or purchase online at www.improvplayhouse.com.