Rachel Angco and Bernard Cuffling
Photo: Matt Reznek

 

United Players
It's a Wonderful Life: On the Air by Peter Church

When & Where Nov. 29 - Dec 22, 2024; Thurs , Fri and Sat at 8 pm, Saturdays Dec 7 & 21, and all Sundays at 2pm | Jericho Arts Centre,

Director Sarah Rodgers Technical Director Phil Miguel Set Design Sheila White Musical Director Christopher Lam Lighting Design Kougar Waltbasi Costume Design Mara Gottler Choreography Shelley Stewart Hunt Stage Manager Maddy Woodley

Reviewer John Anthony Jane


Peter Church’s stage adaptation may provide an interesting conceptualization in its setting, however, it is, by and large faithful to Frank Capra’s original film version, that had James Stewart playing everyman unsung hero George Bailey as the main protagonist. It is easy to see why the story has endured; it is one of hope and redemption and regardless which number is at the bottom of a life insurance policy, a good man will always be worth more alive than dead.

Sarah Rodgers presents the play in the mode of an old style radio program where actors perform in a radio studio, as if it were broadcast in 1946 - when the original film was released. Some of the actors seamlessly drop their character roles to sing commercial jingles from the nineteen-forties to advertise cigarettes, beer, and various hair products. This device adds to the studio atmosphere as well as providing some levity to the drama.

George’s story is known by just about everyone who has had time to watch television for a couple of hours around each Christmas for the past fifty years. Essentially, it’s about a regular guy in a small town, who unselfishly puts family responsibility and the well-being of his neighbours ahead of his own aspirations.

Nick Preston puts in an impressively bold performance as the longanimous George Bailey. Initially, as an impulsive young man seeking his own destiny in the first act; then as his world collapses around him in the second act, the anxiety and despair is tangible. Rachel Angco also shines in what is an extended role as George’s devoted wife Mary. Ms. Angco also helps out with singing jingles. Veteran stage actor Bernard Cuffling is typically droll as Clarence, George’s guardian angel – a role he is surely familiar with.

This United Players production has assembled a talented and resourceful cast with many actors taking on three or four divergent roles. Samuel Walmsey-Byne in particular, shows remarkable versatility switching between the curmudgeon Uncle Billy and his other characters.

Sheila White’s multi-level highly detailed set on a faux tiled floor was likely accurate for the period. Stage manager Maddy Woodley is visible to the audience in a radio station control room. Mara Gottler’s period specific clothing adds quality to the production. I enjoyed both hearing and seeing Kelsi James on piano and guitar as well as working magic with sound effects equipment.

The performance was surprisingly physical consider it was served up as a radio show. The setting didn’t distract from the central theme of salvation, but rather lighten the dark aspects of the story.

© 2024 John Anthony Jane