“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is a warm-hearted show of Capra’s Christmas classic film  

The story is one of redemption and hope and is an up to date fresh production adapted by playwright Joe Landry

By Camille Bounds

Camille Bounds

Director Giovanna Sardelli takes us on a 90-minute unique journey with her presentation of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” We are brought into a 1940s radio station and five bright, talented actors take us delightfully through the beloved story, based on Frank Capra’s delightful holiday film, of everyman George Bailey facing a difficult Christmas Eve.

The performers play all parts and all are responsible for all sound effects from opening and slamming doors, footsteps to train whistles. Bailey’s hometown of Bedford Falls is a small community with all the heroes and villains of any town anywhere as well as with all the follies and foibles a small town might have. Bailey (played by Moses Villarama) finds his dreams of the past and future this Christmas Eve have all seemed to have slipped away and he feels all would have been better if he had never been born.

Heaven has sent Clarence (a delightful Todd Cerveris) who is an innocent angel who has been waiting for his wings for more than 200 years. He is sent to Bedford Falls to convince George his life is worthwhile and work on getting his wings.

Sarita Ocon (Mary),  Luisa Sermol, (Violet),  Phil Wong ( Mr. Potter) make up the rest of the talented many characters that bring “It’s A Wonderful Life” to life.

George (Moses Villarama) is embraced by actors (l to r: Phil Wong, Luisa Sermol, and Todd Cerveris) in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley December 1-26, 2021.
Photo Credit: Kevin Berne

The story is one of redemption and hope and is an up to date fresh production adapted by playwright Joe Landry (based on the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling. The TheaterWorks Silicon Valley cast carries each part with a deep feeling of responsibility for making each role believable.

Giovanna Sardelli’s direction is steeped with little details that alerts the audience to moments of reason in the plot. Her actors move with a definite direction and never seemed to miss a cue.

The movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” was brought to the screen 75 years ago. It was the first movie James Stewart agreed to appear in after returning from  service in World War II. At that time he had decided to retire from the screen until Capra convinced him to appear in the George Bailey role.

For a different moment in fine theater ” It’s A Wonderful Life”: A Live Radio Play is an experience not to be missed.

To purchase tickets, click HERE.

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Camille Bounds is the theatre reviewer for Morgan Hill  and Gilroy Life.

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INFORMATION

It’s A Wonderful Life : A Live Radio Show

Where: Lucy Stern  Theater, located at 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Through: December 26

Ticket Information: Visit theatreworks.org or call   (877) 662-8978