Reviewed
by Judd Hollander
Each person’s
life touches others, often in the most unexpected ways. It’s a lesson learned
by George Bailey in the 1946 film “It’s A Wonderful Life", and given a new
twist with Anthony E. Palermo's adaptation of the work as a live radio performance.
Previously seen at the Irish Repertory Theatre in 2013, the piece has returned
for an encore engagement, making for a heartwarming holiday treat.
Set in the
same year as the film, the Palermo version takes place in a broadcast studio of radio station
WIRT. Complete with a Christmas tree, an assortment of holiday cards, several
rather warn and slightly mismatched chairs, and photos of the various movies
stars on the walls. Including such figures as Doris Day, Clark Gable, Lauren
Bacall, Bette Davis, and Jimmy Stewart. As Bing Crosby yuletide tunes play
over the station loudspeakers and the studio clock moves along in real time,
the actors begin to gather for the broadcast.
"It's
A Wonderful Life" tells the story of George Baily (Aaron Gaines). Hailing
from the small town of Bedford Falls - one of those places where everybody knows everyone
else - George had plans to go college and travel the world. Until circumstances
and a deep sense of loyalty forced him to give up his dreams and take over the
family savings and loan business. When $8,000, which was supposed to be
deposited in the bank, suddenly goes missing, and an arrest warrant hanging
over his head, George contemplates taking his own life. It's up to Clarence
Oddbody (Dewey Caddell) -- an angel, second class -- to show George that he
really did have a life that mattered. If Clarence can do that, he will finally earn
his wings, after 200 years of waiting.
The story,
as enacted here, is quite engaging. So much so that by the time the final act
begins, one would be hard pressed not to believe the characters and situations
presented are quite real. The cast of six talking into microphones and reading
from scripts as they embody over 25 different speaking parts. Various changes in
costume, used to differentiate the shift from one role from the next, are done
to present a more rounded picture of the different characters to the audience. Charlotte
Moore's direction is mostly spot-on throughout, allowing the story to unfold
quite seamlessly as it draws the audience into the tale.
At the
same time, there are frequent reminders that what we are seeing is indeed a
radio play. Such as the use of commercial breaks; the way the actors move about
in their "normal" personas when not acting out the various
characters; or when they have direct interaction with the audience. As when the
station Announcer (Ian Holcomb) welcomes the audience to the studio where the
performance will be held, and also explains the need for their immediate
response whenever the "applause" sign flashes.
We also
get to see a demonstration of devices once used to produce sound effects for
radio broadcasts. Among them, the crunching of cornflakes to imitate the footsteps
of someone walking in snow. The different effects done by Rory Duffy, who acts
as the station's SFX Artist, in addition to various characters in the radio
play. The use of live commercials are also a particularly nice touch. They
offering a 1946 perspective on such subjects as cigarettes - endorsed by
doctors and nurses - and medication for females at that special time of the
month.
Aaron
Gaines is quite good as George. The character coming off as an honest, hardworking
sort who has long since felt life has passed him by. At least, until Clarence intervenes.
It also helps that Gaines and Haley Bond - who plays George's wife, Mary - are able
to make the interplay between their two characters seem fresh and immediate,
especially during a courtship sequence. This helping to show the growing
emotional bond that develops between the couple.
While George is the lynchpin around which the story revolves, the character is somewhat limited in his makeup, due to his straight-arrow nature. It's also the reason why some of his later outbursts of joy, which work fine on a giant movie screen, come off as rather hokey when performed in an intimate venue. Actor Dewey Caddell however, has no such problems. Playing a variety of characters, from the evil Mr. Potter who wants to own the entire town of Bedford Falls; to Pop Bailey, a true salt-of-the-earth type; to the terribly earnest Clarence; Caddell is able to make each of the personas he inhabits come powerfully to life.
Also
working quite well is Ian Holcomb who, in addition to his announcer duties,
takes on the roles of, among others, the Superintendent of Angels, George's
Uncle Willie, Ernie the Cabdriver and Nick the Bartender. All with appropriate
changes in costume, head gear and accent. Rounding out the cast is Orlagh Cassidy
- the diva among the actors at the radio station - who shows off her
versatility by playing characters ranging from the very young to the very old.
It’s A Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play allows a
much-beloved tale to be seen in an entirely new way. It's a great treat for the
holiday season, or any other time of the year, for that matter.
It's
A Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play
Adapted from the Frank Capra film
by Anthony E. Palermo
Featuring: Haley Bond (Mary Hatch Bailey, Mrs.
Davis), Dewey Caddell (Clarence, Mr. Potter, Pop Bailey, Mr. Gower, Martini), Orlagh
Cassidy (Ma Bailey, Ma Hatch, Cousin Tilly, Toll Taker, Bank Teller, Janie
Bailey, Zuzu Bailey, Impatient Neighbor, Suzie), Rory Duffy (SFX Artist,
Officer Bert, Dr. Campbell, Sam Wainwright, Mr. Welch, Petey Bailey, Sheriff,
Randy), Aaron Gaines (George Bailey), Ian Holcomb (Announcer, Superintendent of
Angels, Uncle Billy, Harry Bailey, Ernie, Nick, Mr. Carter).
Set Design: James Morgan
Costume Design: Barbara Bell
Lighting Design: Brian Nason
Live Sound Design: Zach Williamson
Associate Sound Designer: Walter
Tillman
Production Stage Manager: April Ann
Kline
Assistant Stage Manager: Marian
Hyfler
Press Representative: Matt Ross
Public Relations
General Manager: Lisa Fane
Directed by Charlotte Moore
Presented by the Irish Repertory Theatre
Tickets: 212-727-2737 or www.irishrep.org
Running time: 75 minutes no intermission
Closes: December 31, 2017
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