A Talented Lineup For December’s “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
Experience It’s A Wonderful Life as a Live Radio Play at Ojai Art Center Theater!
This holiday season, the Ojai Art Center Theater proudly presents the beloved classic It’s A Wonderful Life in a unique, live radio play format. Adapted by Joe Landry and directed by Gai Laing Jones, this heartwarming story will transport audiences to 1946 with all the charm of a live radio broadcast. Join us from December 6th through December 22nd, 2024, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM.
Audiences will journey with George Bailey through a live radio performance featuring on-stage Foley artists, pre-show vocalists singing 1940s-era music, and a festive sing-along of holiday carols to conclude each show. This nostalgic retelling celebrates family, friendship, and community in a uniquely immersive experience. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family!
Production Highlights
Foley artists Gai Jones, Trilby Conried, and Claudia Davoli will create live sound effects, enriching the immersive atmosphere. Pre-show vocalists, including Marisa Miculian, R. Shayne Bourbon, Robin Streichler, Carl A. Gross, Ezra Eells, Bill Spellman, Susan Webb, Mar De Carlo, and Rachel Lee Rose Hunt, will perform period songs and lead a holiday carol sing-along at the end of each performance.
Cast Members
Ezra Eells as George Bailey
Marisa Miculian as Mary Hatch
Carl A. Gross MD as Freddie Filmore (Joseph) / Mr. Welch (Schoolteacher’s Angry Husband) / Sheriff
Rachel Lee Rose Hunt as Mary Hatch (Teen) / Janie (George’s Piano-Playing Daughter) / a Cop
R. Shayne Bourbon as Clarence (George’s Guardian Angel) / Martini (Italian Bar Owner)
Bill Spellman as Henry F. Potter / Billy Bailey (George’s Uncle)
Steve Grumette as Henry F. Potter
Mar De Carlo as Lana Sherwood (Adult Violet)
Susan Webb as Violet Bick (Teen Violet) / Matilda (Secretary at BBB & Loan) / Charlie / Man at Martini’s / Lyricist
Michael Shanahan as Billy Bailey (George’s Uncle) / Young George / Nick the Bartender / Sam Wainwright / Harry (Adult)
Julian O’Mara as Young Harry / Tommy (George’s Burping Son) / Harry (Adult)/ Binky (Bouncer)
Jane Bueno as Zuzu (George’s Youngest Daughter) / Mrs. Thompson (Banker)
