Next Act Theatre Presents IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE LIVE RADIO SHOW, 11/15-12/9

From their South Water Street "studios," Next Act Theatre presents their own radio adaptation of the beloved Bedford Falls fable celebrating the best of the holiday spirit. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Live Radio Show runs November 15 - December 9, 2012 at Next Act's new home, 255 S. Water St. in Walker's Point.

Adapted by Mary MacDonald Kerr, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Live Radio Show combines George Bailey's adventure with a clever bit of 1957 radio storytelling to complement your theatre experience. The action behind the microphones will be fun to follow, with changing characters and voices, live music and mechanical sound effects helping to shape the on-air depiction of this holiday classic. And there's also a studio story between the radio players that unfolds, adding another layer of emotional resonance. You will be simultaneously in the audience and behind-the-scenes, without leaving your seat.

Opening night is Friday, November 16. Tickets range from $25-$35 and may be purchased by calling 414-278-0765 or visiting www.nextact.org. Also visit the website for a full performance calendar.

David Cecsarini, Next Act's Producing Artistic Director, will direct the production. Cecsarini says of the show, "We'll actually be telling three stories, woven together. First, we meet the studio actors in their 1957 Milwaukee world; then, we hear George Bailey's story of his wonderful life; while watching how the actors create that studio play for the radio audience."

The cast features six Next Act veterans: Debra Babich as Sophie et al, Bo Johnson as Bo et al, Mary MacDonald Kerr as Judy/Mary, Norman Moses as James/George, Jack Forbes Wilson as Jack et al, and Producing Artistic Director David Cecsarini as Stan et al.

The production team includes Costume Designer Aria Thornton (VIGIL, BIG BOYS), Lighting Designer Mike Van Dreser (ONE TIME, HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS), Nikki Kulas (MICROCRISIS, THE EXONERATED) returning as Props Master and Bronze Leaf Studio will design the set. Resident Production Stage Manager is Jessica Connelly.

Opening Night Reception - Patrons are invited to a post-show reception in the lobby Friday, November 16, with food from Transfer Pizzeria.

A Pay-What-You-Can performance will take place on Monday, December 3, at 7:30 pm. These tickets, limited to two per person, are available only in person at the theatre beginning at 6:30 pm that evening.

Talkbacks, a chance for the audience to pose questions to the director and cast, will be held after selected performances. For dates and times, visit www.nextact.org/?n=Season1213.WonderfulLife.

During the run, Next Act Theatre will be hosting a food drive to benefit Hope House, an emergency and transitional living facility located in Walker's Point. Items will be collected between November 15 and December 31. For more information, visit www.nextact.org.

The mission of Next Act Theatre is to engage the hearts and minds of our audience with compelling and intimate theatre productions intended to stimulate thought, foster the exchange of ideas and to promote the development of new perspectives and understanding. Next Act Theatre is celebrating 23 years of professional theatre.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Live Radio Show is co-sponsored by BMO Harris Bank and Skip & Ildy Poliner. Next Act Theatre's 2012-2013 Season is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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