Review: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO SHOW gets us in the holiday mood at Richardson Theatre Centre

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Directed by Leigh Wyatt Moore
Produced by Richardson Theatre Centre

One of the things I always do to try to get into the Christmas spirit is watch certain classic movies. I start with It’s a Wonderful Life, followed by Miracle on 34th Street. I’ve also recently discovered and fallen in love with Christmas in Connecticut, It Happened on 5th Avenue, The Bishop’s Wife, and Holiday Affair (among others I now never miss), but even as more and more brilliant holiday films hit my watch list, I always return to It’s a Wonderful Life as my favorite.

The story of George Bailey and his incredible life has also been made into a very popular radio play adapted by Joe Landry, and patrons of Richardson Theatre Centre are currently being treated to this rendition of the story. 

George is played perfectly by Ian Grygotis. Not only is he able to capture the eager young man who wants to see the world and build things, he capably pulls off the despair George feels, causing him to want to end his life. He’s also able to give us JUST a touch of Jimmy Stewart while making the role his own.

Rachel Jay beautifully brings George’s wife Mary to life with lively facial expressions and charm. Jay and Grygotis have nice chemistry together, and their relationship is fun to watch as it blossoms.

Gordon Fox takes on the herculean task of the angel Clarence AND the evil Mr. Potter, and bounces back and forth between sweet wonder and gruff nastiness with ease. The rest of the ensemble cast manages to fill out the rest of the townspeople in Bedford Falls; everyone plays a handful of roles, complete with unique voices and different hats and accessories. A few of their standouts: Ainsley Horan as Violet Bick and Zuzu; Mariana Hess as Ma Bailey and the bank examiner; Mark Massey as Nick the bartender and Ernie the cab driver; and Michael Miller as Uncle Billy and Mr. Martini. Miller especially does an exceptional job with his character load, often “talking to himself” in various scenes.

Richard Stephens Sr. takes on the role of the Announcer and also handles a couple of small parts. Debbie Deverich and Candie Blunt warm the audience up before the show and after intermission with some lovely Christmas carols.

The unsung heroes of the show are Foley Artists Robert Sims and Cheray Williams, who make all the magic happen in our heads through live sound effects, right there on stage. Speaking of the stage, scenic designer Greg Smith must be commended for his believable radio studio set. Kenneth Hall’s lighting design worked well for the space, and Robbi Holman provided the sounds – including the music – that weren’t performed live. The simple costumes were designed by Rachael Lindley...and I assume she also handled all those hats!

Leigh Wyatt Moore has assembled a solid cast to bring this classic story to life. The story itself is a little different here and there from the film, but if you love the movie It’s a Wonderful Life as much as I do, make sure you don’t miss RTC’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. It’s sure to get you into a holiday mood! The show runs through December 17.

There’s NOTHING like live theatre!

Carol M. Rice

Audience Rating: G

Running Time: about 2 hours and 15 minutes with intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available 

Sensory-friendly Showing: Not Available 

ASL Showing: Not Available 

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Two loud thunder crashes may startle some patrons.

Production Sound Level: Comfortable