BWW Reviews: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY at Center Stage: Does it Equal a Wonderful Play?

Can a great group of actors save a play with one set that is basically about a radio play of a famous film? Some will say yes and some said no by leaving at intermission.

But I say stay for the acting because this ensemble is just plain terrific. Director Nelson T. Eusebio III directs with great fun a group of five actors who play various roles and sometimes at the same time. It reminded me of an acting class but they are all proficient.

If you recall the movie with Jimmy Steward and Donna Reed, the year is 1947 in the small town of Bedford Falls and involves one George Bailey and his love of life until a crisis occurs at his bank. A guardian angel emerges to stop him from committing suicide and love endures around the Christmas holiday.

It may be difficult for those a generation far removed from radio to appreciate what entertainment there was before television. And the most fun was watching Foley Artist, Anthony Stultz perform all the audio work and the fun sound effects. He also provides the musical accompaniment on guitar and piano. He should have a spot light on him at all times.

Center Stage has moved the action to Baltimore (like the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company has done with A CHRISTMAS CAROL) so the action takes place in the WBAL studios and the commercials include clever songs for Old Bay Spice Company (only 7 years old) and H & S Bakery (since 1943).

The radio talk show host is Freddie Filmore played by the accomplished actor Ken Krugman who has a nice bio from many Broadway and national tours. He is just plain terrific as old man Potter and the absent-minded Uncle Billy.

Joseph McGranaghan plays the leading role of George Bailey and nails the part.

The two women in the play, Chiara Motley and Eileen Rivera both do admirable work in their many roles.

But for the me, the highlight was Pun Bandhu who playhs Clarence the angel, Harry "Jazzbo" Heywood, George's brother, and Giuseppe Martini. What a performer.

The set of the WBAL studios by Michael Locher worked great, as were the period costumes by Alixandra Gage Endlund, and wonderful lighting by Burke Brown.

This may not be for everybody. At times it was a little slow. But, I truly admired the great ensemble that deserve your attention.

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE only plays until Dec. 21. For tickets, call 410-332-0033 or visit www.centerstage.org.

There's a special family matinee on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. Prior to the show beginning at 11:30 a.m. there will be kid-friendly treats and crafts. There will be also being a chance to take a photograph with someone special. They even have 50% off prices for kids 18 and under with code 15holiday-matinee

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

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