Tonight, December 5, the curtain rises on The Sherman Playhouse's production of the Holiday classic, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY, by Philip Grecian. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. for a four-week run.
Inspired by the classic American film by Frank Capra, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY tells the heartwarming story of Bedford Falls resident George Bailey. As in the film, the radio play follows his ups and downs, culminating in his ultimate crisis of faith against the backdrop of the Holiday Season. This production is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Eleven actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play as well as produce the sound effects in this timeless story for the whole family.
"What's so special about a live radio production is staging a 'radio show' with actors who need to play several parts at the drop of a hat, including the personalities of the radio actors, who are portraying all the parts in the show," said producer and director Robin Frome of New Milford. "I have loved this story ever since I was a child and I am extremely lucky to be presenting it in an old time radio genre. It fits perfectly in this Playhouse, which is geared to presenting great classics for the whole family to enjoy."
The production features some outstanding actors from the region: Steven Stott (Brookfield), Dean Alexander (New Fairfield), Maya Daley (Danbury), Steve Manzino (Holmes, N.Y.), William Kenyon (Ridgefield), Gabe Fowler and Chris Marker (both Sherman), and Stacy-Lee Frome, Phair Haldin, Joan S. Wyner, and Keli Solomon (all New Milford).
Besides Frome, who also designed the set, the show's crew includes Foley artist Danford Knowlton, lighting design and stage design by Al Chiapetta, sound design by David White, costumes by Lynn Nissenbaum, and stage management by Samantha Silver.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE runs December 5,6 12,13,14 19,20 26,27,28. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on December 14 and 28. Tickets for all shows are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
On Thursday, December 4, all patrons are invited to attend a "Half-Price Preview Night" at 8:00 p.m. where all tickets are only $10. Students may see any performance for only $10 if they pay in cash only at the door and carry a valid student ID. Students may not make reservations in advance for a performance.
Reservations can be made online at www.shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622.
The Sherman Playhouse is a non-Equity theatre company located at 5 Route 39 North (next to the firehouse) in Sherman, CT.
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