"Phil Grecian's Radio Drama "It's a Wonderful Life" recreates the magic of the original film.

Robert's Reviews - December 2008

"It's a Wonderful Life Preivew from Robert's Reviews

The Cary Players will present IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Phil Grecian's 1940s-style radio drama based on director Frank Capra's Oscar®-nominated 1946 film, starring Jimmy Stewart, on Dec. 12-14 in Cary Town Hall Council Chambers. The movie features an Academy Award-nominated script by the award-winning husband-and-wife playwriting and screenwriting team of Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich, based on Philip Van Doren Stern's story "The Greatest Gift." (Hackett and Goodrich won the 1956 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for their stage adaptation of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.)

"Many of us have childhood memories of enjoying IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE with my family at Christmas time," recalls Cary Players director Debra Zumbach Grannan. "That was the case in my home. When Cary Players was trying find an appropriate holiday drama, and [producer] Thom Haynes suggested we consider this show, I was skeptical that it could ever be as good as the movie. We got a group of actors together to read the script, and our imaginations started to soar. Both Thom and I had been in radio dramas, and the script by Phil Grecian offered some excellent creative opportunities while still holding true to the magic of the original film."

She adds, "The story is timeless and the script is well done. This play also offers many opportunities for new actors to have a positive community theater experience."

Moreover, says Grannan, "This show is G-rated and a perfect holiday outing for the whole family!"

Director Debra Grannan says, "This is the story of George Bailey (played with tenderness by Wyatt Geist) and his dreams for a more exciting life. It takes a loving family and the guidance of a kindly angel (played by Mark Anderson) to help him realize how truly blessed he is. Ann Forsthoefel brings the role of Mary Bailey to life with elegance. Brady Trax is an exuberant young George, and Davis Benz as the kid brother adds a fun dose of energy to the show.

"Amanda Powell and Kelly Miss are polished teen actors who win us over in their talented portrayals of young Mary and young Violet," claims Grannan. "Emma Cole steals all our hearts as ZuZu. Pat Berry sets the tone with an authentic radio announcer style then transforms his vocal style and emotions to display a troubled Mr. Gower and the colorful Mr. Martini."

Grannan adds, "Several actors, such as Annah Michaux, Thom Haynes, Chris Brown, Pete Kelly, Jack Berry, and Allison Harris, play multiple roles with cleverness and variety. Tracy Fulghum changes from an elderly school principal to a confident teenage Harry Bailey in a flash. Del Flack is a poignant Uncle Billy, who has us laughing one moment and on the verge of tears the next. Phil Crone is intimidating one moment as the heartless Mr. Potter and puts us at ease in another scene the Big Man Upstairs!

"The other 'stars' of the show are the Foley Artists who must be ready for each sound effect," Debra Grannan explains. "The team of David Wolk, Angie Lowden, Dot Boulia, and Carol Kelly all make the magic happen. In true 1940s style, we have a quartet of radio gals [Sarah Bunch, Sara Nickerson, Jeri McKee, and Mary Anne Serino] who sing the radio jingles for local merchants."

In addition to director Debra Grannan, the IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE creative team includes producers Angela Lowden and Thom Haynes, musical director Craig Johnson, assistant director Phil Crone, set designer Jon Dietz, costume designer Amander Edgerton, sound director David Wolk, and stage manager Mary Misertino. the show also features original "radio jingle" music by Craig Johnson, with lyrics by Debra Grannan.

Grannan says, "Amanda Edgerton is the talented costume designer who will be putting the ladies in tailored 1940s style dresses with an occasional hat here and there! ... We are [also] delighted to have the use of the elegant Town of Cary Council Chambers [for the show's set]. The setting is supposed to be a 1940s radio studio, and the facility lends itself perfectly."

She adds, "We had some initial guidance from a sound consultant, Rowell Gorman; but for the most part, it's been a 'learn-as-you-go' experience with the live sound effects."

http://www.cvnc.org/ - Classical Voice of North Carolina for this review and many others.