The cast of “Wonderful Life:” Matt McCarthy, Anna Gunderson, Andre DeSandies, Terri Sturtevant, Jim Clancy, Jeff Maschi, Gary Glor, Kelley McAndrews, Will Budnikov, Valerie Stack Dodge and Scott Cagney. Provided photo.
Life is wonderful, even on Zoom
For more than 20 years, It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play has been an integral part of The Theater Project’s repertoire. And while so many things must change in celebrating the holidays this year, The Theater Project is offering its yearly holiday staple to help keep community traditions alive.
Given the challenges 2020 has brought, Wonderful Life, adapted by New Jersey actor Liz Zazzie, will be performed a bit differently this year: through Zoom. The Theater Project invites its patrons to join them in celebrating the holidays online with this virtual production featuring actors safe in their homes and incorporating as many of the original elements of play as possible.
Once again, The Theater Project will set the scene for the Lux Radio Theater circa 1947 as 11 adult actors, 5 kids, a musician and one extremely overworked sound technician prepare for the big radio broadcast of the story made famous in the iconic Frank Capra film.
But this year, families will experience the tears and laughter of the play from the comfort of their homes – gathered together much like families in the early twentieth century did around their radios.
During perhaps one of the most isolating moments in our history, the classic story of It’s A Wonderful Life provides a sense of comfort and connection. “There’s a moment in the play where George Bailey turns to a Depression-panicked crowd and says, ‘We can get through this thing all right. We’ve got to stick together, though,’’” said artistic director Mark Spina, “And that’s definitely a message for our time.”
The play will be broadcast on Zoom Dec. 11-13. For tickets and further information, visit thetheaterproject.org or call 908-809-8865.