Chicago Street Offers Unique Spin on ‘Wonderful Life’

This holiday season, Chicago Street Theatre will present a play like none other performed on its stage.

“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is a new twist on the classic, inspirational story set in 1946 about George Bailey who learns through an angel that despite his financial woes, his life has been meaningful and those around him have been better off because of his contributions.

It’s a story that Directors Kelly Hite and Dona Henry hold dear to their hearts.

“The message is timeless,” says Hite. “It is the same whether it’s the 1940s or right now. We all need to be inspired when we’re down, and this story does just that.”

But this play is about more than the heartwarming holiday tale. It’s performed as a live radio broadcast, and everyone in attendance is the live studio audience.

“It’s a chance to see what radio shows were like back in the day. There are so many layers to this show, and hopefully the audience will get to experience each one of them. From the live sound effects and commercials to the five actors portraying all of the characters in this show,” says Hite.

This is the fourth time Hite and Henry have worked together on “Wonderful Life” at Chicago Street. It was previously on stage in 1999, 2000, and 2006. “It’s a great story that teaches the value of life and how we touch people in ways that we don’t even realize,” Henry says.

The 1940s is a time in history that both directors find lovely and enchanting.

“I love the clothes, the hair, and the innocence,” says Henry.

Adds Hite: “The music is entertaining, and the attitude was very positive and upbeat. I prefer a simpler time when people would actually spend time with each other and socialize.”

The play will be performed for five weekends during one of the busiest times of the year. The directing pair decided to go with a double cast.

“We have 20 performances over five weeks. That’s a lot to ask of volunteers,” says Henry, adding that there are two married couples in the casts. “We thought it would be less stressful and give our cast members an enjoyable stage experience as well as some of their holiday to themselves.”

Working with two casts has been formidable, but mostly rewarding.

“I must say the cast has made it less challenging with their great attitudes and enthusiasm for their parts. I have never worked with a cast that was so excited about what they were doing. It’s been a joy to be part of this experience,” gushes Hite.

“The challenges are keeping the show consistent between the two casts,” adds Henry. “We want any actor to be able to step in on the other cast if necessary.”

Both Hite and Henry like to talk about the many layers in the show. The complexity of each character is only part of it.

“We have a group of people and businesses that sponsored certain parts of our show,” explains Hite.

“Each of the sponsored items will have a name hanging on them so everyone knows who sponsored what, and we will also have a list in the lobby,” says Henry. Some of the sponsored items include the Applause and On Air signs, the microphones, and the four commercials.

In addition, WAKE radio in Valparaiso, whose logo is prominently displayed on the stage, has been worked into the storyline. In exchange, Chicago Street will receive on-air publicity about the show. “WAKE is a huge opportunity. We are so excited,” adds Henry.

To further add to the audience experience, Chicago Street is offering a unique opportunity for people to sit on the stage during each show. “I was doing some research online about the old radio programs and kept noticing that they had live studio audiences,” says Hite. “So I was looking at our set, and we had an area that could accommodate a small studio audience. I hope our patrons will want to be a part of this great event. It’s a perspective of the show that most audiences don’t get to experience.”

Everyone in the audience on opening night is welcome to join the cast, directors, and crew for a gala at Industrial Revolution immediately after the show. On Thursday, Dec. 1, enjoy a post-show chat with the cast and directors.

The Cast:

• Freddie Filmore – Andy Blastick and Marty Weisenbacher, both of Valparaiso
  
• Jake Laurents – Jeff Schultz, Valparaiso
  
• Sally Applewhite – Kelley Weisenbacher and Barb Malangoni, both of Valparaiso
  
• Lana Sherwood – Amber Blastick, Valparaiso, and Laura Simmons, DeMotte
  
• Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood – Rande Dawson, Valparaiso, Steve Rohe, Porter

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Show Schedule
Nov. 18 – Dec. 17, 2011

• Friday, Nov. 18 @ 7 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Nov. 19 @ 7 p.m.
  
• Sunday, Nov. 20 @ 2:30 p.m.
  
• Friday, Nov. 25 @ 7 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Nov. 26 @ 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
  
• Sunday, Nov. 27 @ 2:30 p.m.
  
• Thursday, Dec. 1 @ 7 p.m.
  
• Friday, Dec. 2 @ 7 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Dec. 3 @ 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
  
• Sunday Dec. 4 @ 2:30 p.m.
  
• Friday, Dec. 9 @ 7 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Dec. 10 @ 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.
  
• Sunday, Dec. 11 @ 2:30 p.m.
  
• Friday, Dec. 16 @ 7 p.m.
  
• Saturday, Dec. 17 @ 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Prices

• Adult tickets $18
  
• Seniors (62+) $15
  
• Students (21 and younger) $15
  
• Veterans $15

Call (219) 464-1636, Ext. 1 for tickets or purchase online at www.chicagostreet.org /”Buy Tickets” tab. Stage seating is available by phone or online.

Searching for singers
Chicago Street Theatre is inviting singing groups, including school and church choirs and Girl Scout troops, to sing outside the theatre for 30 minutes before each performance and on stage for 10 minutes during each intermission.

A full list of performances is available at www.chicagostreet.org. Click on the “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” picture on the home page.

For more information or to schedule a performance, call Heather Pflug at (219) 464-1636, Ext. 102 or send an e-mail to heatherp@chicagostreet.org