"The pre-show antics are what make this theatrical experience so special," said Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, "audiences are treated to roaming telegraph boys and cigarette girls in period costumes, and even a Christmas sing-along. This extra-special touch does a lot to make the vintage environment feel even more authentic."
Perfect for the whole family,
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is an enchanting blend of Christmas cheer and theatrical magic, and immerses the audience in the nostalgic charm of the mid 1940's. The broadcast includes live foley sound effects, an all-star ensemble of actors playing multiple roles, authentic commercials from the time period, and features four local child actors who port
Ray George Bailey's children and other young roles made famous in the classic film.
"This story is one that many people know and love," Cacioppo continued, "and we are pleased to give audiences an opportunity to experience it live onstage all over again - or for the first time."
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play stars Florida Rep regulars,
Brad DePlanche (
The 39 Steps), Claire K. Guy (
King o' the Moon), Carrie Lund (
August:Osage County), and
Peter Thomasson (
Rumors), as well as Rep newcomer and Broadway veteran,
Chris Kipiniak, who appeared in 2002's multiple Tony Award-winning
Metamorphoses. Together these five actors bring Capra's iconic characters to life from
George Bailey and Clarence the Angel to Old Man Potter, the lovable Uncle Billy, and even the town siren, Violet Bick.
Though he doesn't say a word, Florida Rep regular Mark Chambers (
Rumors) appears as the radio station's Foley artist, the one person responsible for creating all of the onstage sound effects: wind, rain, cracking ice, George jumping into the river, glass breaking, and of course, the ringing bell that gives Clarence his wings.
Also featured in the production are local young actors, Ryan Crider, Ian Tardif, Jessica Kieffer, and Avery King. All participants in Florida Rep's various education programs, these local elementary schoolers are featured as the Bailey's children and the younger counterparts to George and
Harry Bailey, Violet, and Mary.
The cast also includes local high schoolers Carley Levy, Jordan Pilant and Angelina Torre, as well as Florida Rep acting interns Julianne Avolio, Taylor Murphy Hale, Robert Mitchel Owenby, and Hallie Wage as the WFRT singers, radio station technicians, vintage telegraph couriers, and concession sellers who appear both in the pre-show presentation and onstage during the broadcast.
Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, directs the production, and is joined by an expert team of designers, including set designer Richard Crowell (
Trying), lighting designer
Kate Smith (
King o' the Moon), Florida Rep's resident costumer Roberta Malcom (
Rumors), Tim Cobb making his Florida Rep sound design debut, and production stage manager Julie
A. Richardson (
Dial M for Murder).
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play plays at Florida Rep through Dec. 18. Regular performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8pm, with matinees on Wed., Sun., and selected Saturdays at 2pm.
Single tickets are now on sale through the box office at
239-332-4488 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 239-332-4488 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 239-332-4488 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, online at
www.floridarep.org, and are $45/$40/$25. Subscriptions for the 2011-2012 Season offer the best savings, and packages start as low as $140 for 7 shows. Ask about the
Wonderful Life Family Special for $99.
Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with ample free parking in the Fort Myers River District.
