CHICAGO—Fans of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” may wonder whether a radio production of the film could be enjoyable. Indeed, I had my doubts. But the 1946 Frank Capra classic Christmas film is now a live 1940s-like radio production by the American Blues Theater. It has all the warmth and heartfelt cheer that it does on the silver screen. Plus, it has another thing going for it. We aren’t looking at celluloid; we feel as though we’re in a live radio studio and part of the event. The production creates such a palpable feel for the characters that the audience’s imagination brings them to life.
Staged in the American Blues Theater’s new 137-seat theater, the show is festooned in Christmas cheer. The set by Grant Sabin is decked out in an array of holiday color complete with a Christmas tree, evergreen wreaths, poinsettias, and white and red candles. There are also video projections by Elyse Dolan and a dazzling lighting design by Katy Peterson Viccellio.
An Onstage Radio Show
As we take our seats, we immediately feel transported to another time by Christmas carols. The show begins as the On Air sign lights up red, and the actors, sporting Christopher J. Neville’s costume design of 1940s dress, take their places behind old-fashioned microphones. Before the story begins, they read ads for sponsors—typical in radio days of yore—and the inspiring tale begins.Masterfully directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside, American Blues Theater’s executive artistic director, the show remains faithful to the great Capra classic. It’s such a perfect movie that it would be a travesty to change its meaning or message. Even so, there are a few slight, inconsequential differences from film to stage. The 90-minute show, trimmed from the two-hour movie, is interrupted from time to time, by commercial jingles composed by Austin Cook with musical direction by Michael Mahler. Instead of watching George Bailey running across the winter-swept streets of Bedford Falls, we hear realistic sound effects created by J.G. Smith. She manufactures the sounds of winter wind, the crackle of shattered glass, and the bell that means another angel is getting its wings.
The story of George Bailey is still as captivating as ever: His dreams have been shattered, he’s forced to forsake his plans for the future, and he now faces criminal charges. He’s so destroyed that he wants to end it all. The radio incarnation follows the same plot as the movie, minus the high school dance scene with the underground swimming pool.
Although Jimmy Stewart is so identified with the film, the character of George Bailey is as compelling here. Brandon Dahlquist makes an exceptional and convincing portrayal of the man who sacrifices his big-city dreams, one after another, to help his brother and then save his community from financial disaster.
Audrey Billings exudes heartfelt warmth as Mary Bailey, the girl who falls in love with George. She provides him with the strength and emotional support at the time of his greatest need.
Moreover, Joe Dempsey delivers two fine turns in totally opposite roles. He plays an adorable Clarence, George’s guardian angel who is trying to get his wings, and the wicked Mr. Potter, out to rule Bedford Falls and all its inhabitants.
Other contributors to the terrific cast include Mahler as the radio announcer, Ian Paul Custer as George’s brother Harry, and Dara Cameron as Violet. In addition, Manny Buckley does a great job of portraying Uncle Billy, George’s forgetful relative who misplaces bank funds. That mistake has George wishing he’d never been born.
What makes this such a wonderful Christmas treat is that its message comes through loud and clear. When Clarence tells George at the end of the show that “No man is a failure who has friends,” we get the same lump in our throats just like we did when we watched the scene in the movie.
The radio production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is as poignant and powerful as the film. Because it plays out right in front of us rather than on a screen, it may offer an even more emotional punch.
