How can a production filmed in 1946 still connect with a twenty-first-century audience?
When it’s in the right hands, audiences will know and sense the story will be told with an appealing charm that can emotionally move, even slightly, the hardest of hearts.
Such is the case with Peterborough’s New Stages production of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
Adapted by Joe Landry, It’s A Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern. Instead of the Bedford Falls film setting, Studio A’s radio station, WBFR, in Manhattan, New York City, on Christmas Eve 1946, becomes Bedford Falls. A terrific ensemble of actors (M. John Kennedy, Ordena Stephens-Thompson, Megan Murphy, Brad Brackenridge, and Kerry Griffin) narrates the story of Wonderful Life via radio, complete with live sound effects. The present audience becomes the radio station’s invited audience for Christmas Eve.
In Landry’s adaptation, George Bailey (M. John Kennedy) continues to resolve problems by prioritizing others’ needs over his own. But on this specific Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls, he faces a situation he cannot fix. It reaches a point where George believes he must leave everything behind (and yes, the term is suicide).
When he is about to take this drastic step, George is stopped by Clarence (Brad Brackenridge), an angel over 200 years old, who takes the young man around town to show what the world would be like if George had never been born and none of his good deeds had ever occurred. The ensemble of actors takes on various roles within the story. The programme lists the actor’s name and the character each plays.
This New Stages’ production is outstanding overall, visually. Attention to detail is evident from Korin Cormier’s accurate 1940s costume recreations that authentically reflect the era, to Sean Harris’s original set design of a replica studio radio setting, complete with era-specific props in Michelle Chesser’s set coordination, which made me curious about where the creative team sourced those items. I really enjoyed hearing the vintage police siren. Patricia Levert’s lighting effectively evokes the 1940s era, making it distinctly different from today.
Under director Mark Wallace’s sensitive vision of the story, the entire production and excellent ensemble work, right down to the efforts of the WBRF Crew moving props on and off, remain memorable. Solid directorial and visionary choices made the work look visually attractive, while its story still pierces the heart in the festively decorated Market Hall, thanks to Dayle Finlay. Music Director Gabriel Vaillant’s gentle underscoring of scenes with appropriate seasonal music reminds the audience why Wonderful Life’s story still appeals today. A nod of appreciation to Tai Timbers for maintaining the proper sound balance. I could hear the dialogue clearly at all times. Another nod of appreciation to Sound Effects Consultant Laurie Westaway and Andy Malcolm for their diligent work in creating the various sound effects that are pleasing to the ear. Recently, I learned about Andy Malcom’s renowned Foley studio in Stouffville, which works on major movies like Dune and Barbie so clearly sound effects are in excellent hands.
While the cast plays several roles, I’ll only concentrate on one for the sake of time and space.
Kerry Griffin is delightfully wicked as the wheelchair-bound villain and banker, Mr. Potter. M. John Kennedy’s George Bailey made me tear up at the end when he realizes how precious and worthwhile his life has become, not only to himself but also to others in his life, most importantly, his wife, Mary, and their children. While Ordena Stephens-Thompson’s Mary is dutiful in her love for George, the actress effectively reveals her character’s vulnerable side in her care for her husband’s well-being. Brad Brackenridge’s angel Clarence becomes a strong paternal and faith influence, watching over George and knowing he needs to pray more. As Violet, the young girl who teases and toys with the young George’s affections (and because she knows Mary is also interested), Megan Murphy is girlishly giddy because she knows it bothers young Mary.
I had forgotten that It’s A Wonderful Life is based on a story, The Greatest Gift. I left Market Hall with a big smile and a sense of holiday spirit because New Stages gave me an early Christmas gift, and I am most appreciative of the gesture.
New Stages knows precisely what they’re doing when it comes to the theatre experience and giving audiences what they crave.
The production has three more performances: Saturday, December 13, at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, December 14, at 2 pm.
Please get to see it. It’s an excellent family introduction to the festive season. We need It’s A Wonderful Life in our lives right now.
Running time: approximately 2 hours with one intermission.
The production runs at Peterborough’s Market Hall, 140 Charlotte Street.
To learn more about the theatre company and to purchase tickets: newstages.ca.
