American Theater Company's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY To Be Broadcast On WBEZ Chicago Radio

American Theater Company (ATC) partners with WBEZ 91.5 FM Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ) to broadcast their eighth annual production of It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play adapted from Frank Capra's classic film and directed by Jason W. Gerace.

The WBEZ broadcast will air on December 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. as well as on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.. The stage production will run November 27-December 27, 2009, at American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St, Chicago, IL. Press opening is Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

ATC transforms its intimate space into a 1940's radio studio to tell Capra's classic story of one man's effect on his community. This year ATC unveils three brand new scenes and new cast members including ATC Ensemble members Kareem Bandealy as George Bailey and Joe Minoso as Mr. Bailey and Steppenwolf Ensemble member Alan Wilder as Mr. Potter and Clarence.

"It's a Wonderful Life's message is stunningly relevant today, and its spirit could not be more needed right now. This is a story which has brought people together time and time again for generations." says Gerace. "I am honored to be able to continue that tradition, and to do my part to remind people, as Clarence reminds George, ‘no man is a failure who has friends.'"
"For seven years, audiences have enjoyed both the intimacy and familiarity of It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play in our little warehouse at the corner of Byron and Lincoln," says Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. "We are also very pleased to partner with WBEZ Chicago Public Radio in broadcasting the entire play on air during the holidays, sharing this important story with thousands of listeners around Chicago."

"When ATC first approached us about broadcasting It's a Wonderful Life, we jumped at the chance," says Steve Edwards, Acting Program Director for WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. "After all, what could be more fitting than bringing a fun, clever radio version of a beloved holiday classic to a real-life Chicago radio audience?"
It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play features a cast of 9 playing 40 roles, including ATC Ensemble member Kareem Bandealy (George Bailey), Bernard Balbot (Harry Bailey and others), Jesse Fisher (Violet and others), Alex Goodrich (Announcer and others), Mary Winn Heider (Mary/Mrs. Bailey), ATC Ensemble member Joe Minoso (Peter Bailey, Uncle Billy and Nick), Cheryl Parkes (Piano), Alan Wilder (Mr. Potter, Clarence and others).

The designers are Tom Burch (Set Designer), Stephanie Farina (Sound Designer), Katy Peterson (Lighting Designer), DJ Reed (Props), Katherine Stebbins (Costume Designer), and Erin Diener (Stage Manager)

Bios are available upon request.

It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play will be performed at American Theater Company, 1909 W.

Byron St. in Chicago. Previews are Friday, November 27, 2009 through Saturday, November 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 29 at 3 p.m. Press opening is Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Regular performances run Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 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 $30 in advance and $10 at the door during previews. Throughout the regular run, tickets are $35 - $50. Student and group discounts are available. ATC's box office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on performance Saturdays and from 1 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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