“It’s A Wonderful Life” Radio Version at WCT

Photo by Mathew Caine

Article by Steve Hellman

For a classic holiday season experience, Willits Community Theatre will present from December 3 to 19 a staged version of Frank Capra’s famed heartwarming film, It’s a Wonderful Life. Author Joe Landry’s version recreates the beloved story from the film which starred James Stewart, Donna Reed & Lionel Barrymore, but Landry’s story takes place in New York City where the story is being broadcast live over the WBFR airwaves on Christmas Eve 1946.

Directed by Phaedra Swearengin and TinaMarie Spagnolo Silveira, the WCT production features actors performing as multiple characters using different voices before the studio microphones. The production is also exceptional for the many live sound effects produced on stage by a foley team of young people aged 12 to 18.

Starring in the show are Marlene Brown, Liz Dellett, Scott Mattson, Miles Mattson, Cindi Mohr, Kevin Moore, Patrick Nunes, Fernando Silveira, Allegra Rose Silveira, Aria Eva Silveira, Adagia Jordan Silveira, Andante Joseph Silveira, Miranda Swearengin, Rick Williams and Cortlandt Wilson.

“It’s not the movie,” Swearengin says. “It is a version of the story. It’s heart-warming and it appeals to so many people.”

The story of George Bailey portrays an idealistic American who has ended up living a married, hum-drum life running a small building and loan company in upstate New York. On Christmas Eve, an administrative error brings the business to the brink of collapse. Desperate for money, a despondent George realizes his life insurance policy makes him worth more dead than alive.

George’s prayers are answered in the form of Clarence Oddbody, his guardian angel, who leads the banker into an alternate reality where George Bailey never existed. The fortunes of the townspeople have reversed in this alternate reality all due to the machinations of the selfish and greedy Mr Henry Potter. Eventually thrust back into his real life, George is ecstatically thankful. The townspeople, having heard of his plight, have come to his company’s rescue. He recognizes the truth in Clarence’s statement, “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”

Director Swearengin says, “In the show, we get to see the impact George has made on these many lives. We watch his realization unfold.”

Performances of the show are on December 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, and 19. For the Thursday shows at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm, tickets are $15. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30pm, with tickets $20. Tickets are available online at wctperformingartscenter.org and at the door. The show is appropriate for all ages. People attending will be required to mask and show proof of vaccination.