IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play opens 11/5 At American Heartland Theatre

This holiday season a family favorite comes to life in It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, adapted by Joe Landry, at American Heartland Theatre. Opening Thursday, November 5th and running through December 27th, 2009, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play puts a new spin on Frank Capra's holiday classic with all the heart-tugging drama, sweetness and joy of the original. The beloved tale of George Bailey is recreated as a 1946 radio show, broadcast live on Christmas Eve. The seasonal musical selections from the company make It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, which has been rated G, a welcome holiday treat for the whole family.

Featuring a large cast comprised entirely of local actors, American Heartland Theater has brought together a great blend of talents, both experienced and brand-new to the stage. Kevin Albert (Harry "Jazzbo" Heywood) was last seen on the AHT stage in Unnecessary Farce. On TV, you can still catch him as "Berman" in The Magic Bullet infomercial. Lauren Braton (Sally Applewhite) recently played Rapunzel in Moisés Kaufman's Into the Woods at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Lauren was awarded the 2008 Emerging Artist Honor by The Kansas City Star. Michael Dragen (Carl Wheeler) is returning to American Heartland Theatre after appearing in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in 2005.

Anthony T. Edwards (Tony Allessio/Musical Direction/Pianist) has been privileged to be the Musical Director for theatres across the country, but loves calling AHT "home". Colleen Grate (Doris Marshall), a Kansas City native and recent graduate of Stephens College is making her American Heartland Theatre début. Lindsey Reed Hart (Debbie Sherwood) is nine-year-old and a student at Holy Spirit in Overland Park, KS. This is her American Heartland Theatre début, although Lindsey has already been in several productions in the Kansas City area including The Sound of Music at New Theater, Annie at The Culture House in Olathe and The Music Man at Starlight Theatre. Addison Grace Landes (Debbie Sherwood) is making her stage début at American Heartland Theatre. She is a fun-loving six-year-old who enjoys singing, dancing and acting.

Ken Remmert (Freddie Filmore) and Tim Scott (Jake Laurents) recently appeared together at American Heartland Theatre in Are We There Yet?. Ken has been a part of more than a dozen AHT productions and also serves as Director of Worship Arts at North Cross United Methodist Church, as well as Contemporary Worship Leader at Platte City United Methodist Church. Away from the stage Tim is the official In-Game Host for the Kansas City Royals Game Entertainment. He interviews fans, awards prizes and even sings on top of the dugouts. Natalie Weaver (Lana Sherwood) spent several years working as an actor in New York and received an IT nomination for her work in the Off-Broadway production of The 5 Borough Plays.

Paul Hough (Direction) has directed more than 40 productions at American Heartland Theatre. Paul holds L.A. Drama Critic's Awards and Chicago Joseph Jefferson Citations for both Direction and Production and a Kansas City Best of Theatre Award for Production. Set design for It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is by Alex Perry and Laura Burkhart, lighting design is by Shane Rowse, costume design is by Sarah Oliver, sound design is by Donna Miller and props design is by William J. Christie.

Handicapped entry and seating, as well as assistive listening devices, are available at all performances. An ASL-interpreted performance is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at 7:30PM.

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