At Pollard, ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is on the air

The Pollard Theatre will present for Christmas this year “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry.

The stage play, done in radio format, has actors clustered around microphones speaking the lines. Sound effects are carried out with realism, using common household items. In the radio era, families would gather around their receivers listening avidly, often with eyes closed, as the sounds and voices over the radio fired their imaginations. “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is presented exactly that way, re-creating old memories and new ones for a younger audience.

W. Jerome Stevenson directs a cast taking various parts. The cast is led by Joshua McGowen, who as Jake Laurents, gives a delightfully nostalgic interpretation of Jimmy Stewart’s impressive George Bailey, and Kara Chapman, as Sally Applewhite, portrays loyal Mary Bailey. David Fletcher-Hall is William Buckingham and portrays Clarence, the slightly bumbling angel.

James A. Hughes opens the show as the energetic announcer, Freddie Filmore, following with excellent characterizations as numerous individuals. Kris Schinske Wolf is Lana Sherwood, and her multitude of personalities reveal miraculous timing as she expresses many residents of Bedford Falls. Timothy Stewart is exciting with his various identities, jumping from Italian rapid fire speech to Southern drawl with ease. The four children, Austin Barber, Jaxon Pickens, Rianna Stottemyer and Ruth Daigle, are a captivating and talented crew stealing the hearts of the audience. The unsung hero is Jared Blount, Foley Artist, generating each effect with smooth timing.

Stevenson’s production is formidable making “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” a wonderful experience.