MONROE - It is Christmas Eve in 1945 and only a handful of WVL Radio's actors have braved the blizzard to perform that evening's broadcast of "It's a Wonderful Life" and keep the station afloat. Be a part of the excitement and see what ensues when this 1940s "live broadcast" of Frank Capra's beloved film takes the audience back to the Golden Age of Radio at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St.
"It's A Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre" is a clever stage adaptation of the classic Frank Capra film and breathes new life into the poignant story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls. The "play within a play" is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter's night. Due to the blizzard, the professional voice actors are unable to get through, but the show must go on. A small but intrepid band of employees manage to deliver all the scenes and lines of the many beloved characters from the movie such as George and Mary Bailey, Mr. Potter and Violet Bick, using just their voices and some everyday household items for sound effects.
This play is produced by Immediate Theatre Project from Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in 2004, ITP stages plays developed in Asheville to a broader market and establishes real, mutually beneficial relationships with other theaters around the country and around the world. Through professional productions, public readings and other forms of engagement, the group brings new life to American classics, exposes audiences to the best of contemporary drama, and develops new work with an eye to the future. Ultimately, it presents professional plays that have the very real potential to leave an audience member changed in mind, body, or soul, simply and directly, allowing the message of the piece to come through clearly.
In 2009, ITP completed this new adaptation of Frank Capra's screenplay, focusing on the timeless story of struggle in times of crisis and of the power of a community to weather financial storms.
In addition to attending the play, audience members are encouraged to browse the hundreds of holiday silent auction items on display in MAC's Wesley Hall. Bids are being accepted now through the close of the auction Sunday.
Reserved seat tickets for "It's A Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre" are $25 and $20, and $10 for students 18 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the box office at 1315 11th St., by calling the Monroe Arts Center at 608-325-5700 or 888-596-1249, or online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This performance has been underwritten by Corporate Underwriter Colony Brands Inc., Media Underwriters Monroe Publishing LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting is provided by Monroe Clinic, Super 8 Monroe, anonymous, Jim and Olga Beer, Jon and Daniell Brunner, and Deb Thompson.
"It's A Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre" is a clever stage adaptation of the classic Frank Capra film and breathes new life into the poignant story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls. The "play within a play" is set in the fictional studio of WVL Radio Theatre, which is struggling to stay on the air one snowy winter's night. Due to the blizzard, the professional voice actors are unable to get through, but the show must go on. A small but intrepid band of employees manage to deliver all the scenes and lines of the many beloved characters from the movie such as George and Mary Bailey, Mr. Potter and Violet Bick, using just their voices and some everyday household items for sound effects.
This play is produced by Immediate Theatre Project from Asheville, North Carolina. Founded in 2004, ITP stages plays developed in Asheville to a broader market and establishes real, mutually beneficial relationships with other theaters around the country and around the world. Through professional productions, public readings and other forms of engagement, the group brings new life to American classics, exposes audiences to the best of contemporary drama, and develops new work with an eye to the future. Ultimately, it presents professional plays that have the very real potential to leave an audience member changed in mind, body, or soul, simply and directly, allowing the message of the piece to come through clearly.
In 2009, ITP completed this new adaptation of Frank Capra's screenplay, focusing on the timeless story of struggle in times of crisis and of the power of a community to weather financial storms.
In addition to attending the play, audience members are encouraged to browse the hundreds of holiday silent auction items on display in MAC's Wesley Hall. Bids are being accepted now through the close of the auction Sunday.
Reserved seat tickets for "It's A Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre" are $25 and $20, and $10 for students 18 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the box office at 1315 11th St., by calling the Monroe Arts Center at 608-325-5700 or 888-596-1249, or online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This performance has been underwritten by Corporate Underwriter Colony Brands Inc., Media Underwriters Monroe Publishing LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting is provided by Monroe Clinic, Super 8 Monroe, anonymous, Jim and Olga Beer, Jon and Daniell Brunner, and Deb Thompson.