Its a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play opens at Rockwall Community Playhouse on November 27, 2015. Adapted by Joe Landry from the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Joe Swerling, this beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
RCP Director Darlene Singleton, who is a founding member of RCP, is excited to bring this new version of Its a Wonderful Life to the community. “During the weeks leading up to Christmas it has always been my favorite movie to watch and being asked to direct this classic has been a pleasure, especially since our production has a twist to what the audience might expect to see on stage,” she states.
Pictured:Back Row–Stacey Kluttz, Gerald Fitzgerald, August Gabriel, Brooke Feldman, Rob Richardson, Deb Ballard
Middle Row–Cathryn Harris, Joetta Currie, Fayme Parker, Darlene Singleton, Vance Wittie, Audrey Michaels
Front Row–Caitlin Harris, Jilian Schulte, Bradyn Parmelly, Holden Magee, Max Watson
Not pictured–Gene Fields
Darlene was thrilled at the turnout during auditions and is pleased to be working with good friends who are regulars on the RCP stage, as well as several newcomers. Each actor portrays a radio personality who in turn portrays a character or characters in the original Its A Wonderful Life play. August Gabriel who was last on the RCP stage in The Foreigner is playing Jazzbo Heywood who performs as Clarence. Rob Richardson who played the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz is portraying Jake Laurents who performs as George Bailey. Cathryn Harris recently graced the stage in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and is appearing as Sally Applewhite who voices Mary Hatch Bailey. Vance Wittie, last seen at RCP in Romeo & Juliet is Freddie Filmore performing various characters including Joseph and Mr. Potter. Audrey Michaels is Lana Sherwood and portrays various characters including Violet Bick. Gerald Fitzgerald is featured as Oliver Reese Johnston and performs as Billy Bailey and Peter Bailey. Joetta Currie, an amazing local artist who has created some of RCPs most exquisite sets is voicing various characters including Ruth Bailey and Sadie Vance. Deb Ballard, last seen in Steel Magnolias, will be Alice Kenworthy who voices Rose Bailey and Alice Hatch. Stacey Klutttz, who was last seen in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, is Foley Artist Kitty Foley.( A foley artist is the person who is responsible for all the sound effects in a show.) Stacey and Fayme Parker, who plays Mitzi Jack, will be using everyday items to create sound effects during the play. For example, Stacey may be crushing Cheerios to simulate the noise feet make as they step through hard-packed snow. Gene Fields, last seen in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be performing as Stage Manager and Binky. Other actors include: Holden Magee as Tommy Cook, Bradyn Parmelly as Adam Council, Jilian Schulte as Annie Manner, Caitlyn Harris as Sunshine Smith, and Max Watson as Buddy Woods.
Pictured: August Gabriel and Joetta CurriePerformances will be held: November 27-29, December 4-6 and 11-13 with Friday and Saturday night performances at 8pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Rockwall Community Playhouse is located at 609 E. Rusk Avenue, just 2 blocks from the Square in downtown Rockwall. Tickets can be purchased on-line at rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org, by calling 972-722-3399 or in the lobby 30 minutes before show time.
Article and photo submitted by Mary Thacker
