American Theater Company Presents IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY, 11/23-12/30

American Theater Company (ATC) presents the beloved holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play adapted from Frank Capra's film and directed by ATC Artistic Associate Jason W. Gerace and featuring Mike Nussbaum and Cliff Chamberlain. The production will run November 23 – December 30, 2012, at American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St, Chicago, IL. Press opening is Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

Due to a new touring production, The Wizard of Oz will not be presented as part of the previously titled The Radio Repertory. ATC will instead present its celebrated production of It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play on its own for the holidays. Subscribers may contact the box office at 773-409-4125 for more information.

"We are grateful to both the RSC and Tams-Witmark for working with ATC on doing this radio play version of The Wizard of Oz. While it is unfortunate that we cannot do it this season, we look forward to doing it in the near future," says Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. "Meanwhile, I think this year's cast for It's a Wonderful Life is one of the strongest we have ever had. Mike Nussbaum, Cliff Chamberlain and ATC Ensemble member Sadieh Rifai heading up the cast will surely provide for memorable performances. After last year's sold-out performances, we encourage folks to not wait to see this Chicago Holiday tradition."

Bedford Falls. 1948. ATC transforms its intimate space into an actual 1940's radio studio to tell Capra's classic story of one man's affect on his community. Complete with audiograms and commercial breaks, audiences may be recorded live for broadcast on WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. Free milk and cookies are served after every performance.

It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play features Mike Nussbaum (Mr. Potter, Clarence), Cliff Chamberlain (George Bailey), ATC Ensemble Member Sadieh Rifai (Mary Hatch, Mrs. Bailey), Jessie Fisher (Violet, others), Tyler Ravelson (Harry Bailey, others), Tony Lawry (Uncle Billy/Mr. Bailey, others), Chase McCurdy (Station Manager), Muriel Montgomery (Station Manager) and Chris Amos (Announcer, others). Rick Kubes is the Foley Operator and Rhapsody Snyder is the pianist.

The creative team includes Jason W. Gerace (Director), Joshua Jaeger (Assistant Director), and Tom Burch (Set Designer). The Lighting Designer and Master Electrician is Mac Vaughey. The Stage Manager is Daniel Hanson.

It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play will be performed at American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. in Chicago. Previews are November 23 – November 26, 2012. Press opening is Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Regular performances run Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Parking is available on the street and at the metered lot on the corner of Lincoln and Berenice. ATC is wheelchair accessible. Tickets are $25 for previews. Throughout the regular run, tickets are $35 for weekdays and matinees and $40 for weekend evening performances. Student and group discounts are available. ATC's box office is open from Noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Noon to 8 p.m. on performance Saturdays and from Noon p.m. to 4 p.m. on performance Sundays. For reservations or further information, call 773-409-4125 or visit www.atcweb.org.

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