SHS Studio Theatre students re-tell the Christmas story, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, in vintage radio play style in front of a live studio audience on Sunday afternoon, December 15th, at 2:00 p.m. in the Presentation Room.
The iconic story of George Bailey, Clarence the angel, and Bedford Falls is being presented live and will be simulcast on local radio station WSLM 97.9 FM.
The script, adapted from the classic Frank Capra film, requires voice actors to portray multiple parts and create analog sound effects to underscore the action.
Theatre Arts teacher Bill Spencer-Pierce admits to being a “little” stuck in the 1930’s and 40’s.
“After last year’s group wrote and performed ‘The Night Before Halloween’, it seemed that a nice sequel would be ‘Wonderful Life’. When we approached Becky White at WSLM, she was on board right away. It’s fun to be doing a radio play and actually broadcasting it. This is one of my favorite Christmas movies and it’s going to be a blast!”
The production includes Greg Burris as George Bailey, Abby Corbin as ingénue Mary Hatch, and Kennan Hemmingway as antagonist Henry Potter, whose self-serving motives threaten the “good life” in Bedford Falls.
When events turn against Bailey, he begins to second-guess his own decisions and even the value of his own life, until guardian angel Clarence steps in to straighten him out. Clarence is played to a “T” by Roman Whitener.
Supporting voice talents include Ian Fetz, Willow Rumley, Keenan Bowles, Hannah Ingram, and Ashtynn Ready, who doubles as a radio singer for the event. Courtney Kelley serves as Stage Manager and mixes sound for the radio feed. They are joined by other class members in secondary voice and SFX roles.
See the live broadcast on Sunday afternoon, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. at SHS.
Admission at the door $5 adults, $3 students, Grade K and under free. Or, stay in your pajamas and pull up a cozy spot next to the radio and catch it on WSLM 97.9 FM.
