December 15th – 18th, Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
(Lenox, Mass.) – Shakespeare & Company presents a returning engagement of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, the beloved holiday classic adapted from the 1946 film. Directed by Jenna Ware and featuring Company actors Jonathan Croy, Jennie M. Jadow, David Joseph, Sarah Jeanette Taylor, and Ryan Winkles, the production runs from December 15 – 18 in the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, with a special benefit performance on December 10th.
Adapted by Joe Landry from the original screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Joe Swerling, the play is set in a radio studio on a snowy Christmas Eve in 1946, when five radio personalities are live, on-air, retelling the story of George Bailey, who goes on an “other-worldly” journey with “angel, second class” Clarence at his side to show him what the world would’ve been like if he had never been born. The play is presented with live sound effects and rapid character changes from all the actors who also perform radio jingles, and popular holiday and Christmas songs reminiscent of the time.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is the American version of A Christmas Carol,” said Ware. “This classic story is about looking back on your life and seeing what impact you have had on the people around you, what impact your decisions have had, and how there is virtue in making decisions that are the best for others and not for ego or self-gain. And what we learn along with George Bailey is that life matters; what we do matters, how we treat each other matters and who we love matters.”
Tickets are available online at www.shakespeare.org, or by calling the Shakespeare & Company box office at 413-637-3353, Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30am-2:30pm. Discounts are available for all five regular performances, including full time Berkshire residents, military, senior, student/teacher, and groups of 12 or more. The Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre is hearing aid assisted and wheelchair accessible.
To arrange press interviews or reviews, contact Publicity Director Molly Clancy at mclancy@shakespeare.org or (413) 637-1199 ext. 145.
AT A GLANCE
PRODUCTION: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
ADAPTED BY: Joe Landry, from the original screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Joe Swerling
DIRECTOR: Jenna Ware
ORIGINAL SOUND DESIGN: Michael Pfeiffer
SET DESIGNER: Patrick Brennan
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Keith Chapman
COSTUMER DESIGNER: Govane Lohbauer
STAGE MANAGER: Hope Rose Kelly
CAST
Old Man Potter, Uncle Billy, others: Jonathan Croy
Zuzu and others: Jennie M. Jadow
George Bailey and others: David Joseph
Sally Applewhite, Mary Hatch and others: Sarah Jeanette Taylor
Clarence, Jazzbo, and others: Ryan Winkles
PERFORMANCE DATES
DECEMBER
15 – 7:00 – PREMIERE
16 – 7:00
17 – 2:00 & 7:00
18 – 2:00 – CLOSING
About Shakespeare & Company
Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts tens of thousands of patrons annually. The Company is also home to an internationally renowned Center for Actor Training, as well a nationally renowned and award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.
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Media Contact:
Molly Clancy
Publicity Director
(413) 637-1199 ext. 145
mclancy@shakespeare.org
