Journal Register News Service
It’s an age old story with a fresh spin, as six cast members take on all character roles in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” This adaptation, by playwright Joe Landry, is now featured as Bucks County Playhouse’s first holiday show now that they’re back up and running in New Hope, Pa.
Set in WBUX studios, a Doylestown radio station, the show accelerates the tale of George Bailey. It’s only fitting that Doylestown resident and American Idol star, Justin Guarini, plays the role of Jake – the radio persona who brings George to life by nailing the character’s signature accent. Guarini, who’s also appeared in such notable theater classics as Rent and Chicago, proves his acting ability is just as strong as his vocal talents.
Adding to the familial feel of the playhouse, cast members wander around the theater welcoming in attendees as they find their seats. As the show begins, Freddie, played by Kevin Pariseau, sets the stage - narrating the tale and introducing the scenes. The show begins with the whole cast playfully taking on popular Christmas tunes with well choreographed dance numbers. The live radio format requires strong attentiveness or familiarity with the story in order to follow the story progression on stage, making the show more suitable for an adult audience.
Climatic scenes are brought to an abrupt halt for “commercials,” keeping things light in this story that evokes thoughts and memories of one’s own life and decisions. Landry wrote in the perfect products, such as Chiquita bananas, and the characters come together with jingles and dance numbers that help to maintain audience enthusiasm.
Lauren Molina, who plays Lana Sherwood, is a riot – portraying the voices of everyone from George Bailey’s mother to the town seductress. Molina, hailed by the New York Times as a “…sweet voiced soprano, who plays the cello beautifully,” shows off her singing talent and cello abilities in various scenes. Mark Price, who plays Butch Popkin, does a tremendous job orchestrating the sound effects through a set-up of knick knacks on the left side of the stage. The cast constantly shuffles around stage with scripts, giving the entire show a playful “behind the scenes” feel. Overall, the cast’s talents are utilized well doing tremendous justice to the beloved tale of George Bailey and holiday music favorites.
If you close your eyes for a minute and just listen, you can see the scenes of the 1946 movie we all know so well accompanying the sounds and voices the cast masters. However, thanks to Bob Bissinger, scenic designer, you’ll want to keep your eyes open. The stage (and theater) is dawned in rustic holiday get-up so fitting to Bucks County.
Playing through December 30, each evening performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” follows a tree lighting of the now permanent Christmas tree planted in front of the playhouse. Now that the theater has a liquor license, beer and wine that is allowed in theater can be purchased in the lobby and outside hut. Bucks County Playhouse certainly chose a winner for its first holiday season back in action — arguably vying for a spot in your holiday traditions for years to come.
If You Go:
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” is now playing through Dec. 30 at Bucks County Playhouse,70 South Main Street,New Hope, Pa 18938. For tickets and info:, visit www.bcptheater.org or call (215) 862-2121.
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