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'It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,’ features talented cast
By Eric McCrea
Youngstown
Youngstown State University gots an early start to Christmas entertainment with its latest production, “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” by Joe Landry. The holiday favorite that’s become an American tradition was brought to life in the university’s Blackbox Theatre.
Landry’s script is set in 1947, which is when radio versions of the film began airing. The classic film is adapted to a play-within-a-play format, re-creating a hypothetical broadcast in front of a studio audience.
The era is made palpable with attention to authenticity vocally, visually and audibly. Striking costumes designed by Katherine Garlick and a set designed by Ellen E. Jones looked professional and clean. Myriad contraptions and clever props were used for the craft of Foley sound effects.
Mark Warchol plays Borris Burgess, who voices George Bailey. Warchol has the most static role, largely sticking to one character, while the rest of the cast raced through dozens of roles. He is a stoic lead, performing aptly, and showing a strength for emotional realism.
Checkers Claude, played by Josh Fleming, is the host of the fictional program. His primary character is Mr. Potter, the man set to take down George Bailey. However, he stole the show voicing Zuzu Bailey. He showed incredible dexterity, at one point switching between characters so quickly, he was having conversations with himself.
Also proving to be vocally skilled was Jessica Hirsh as Emma Elmdale. Her flair as a character actress was very reminiscent of “A Prairie Home Companion.” On stage, she was bold and unforgettable.
Jack Rusk was a delight, voicing the oddball guardian angel Clarence as actor Misha Redfox. He is demure and subtle, able to balance seriousness with silliness.
Terre Snead plays Smoky Lauderdale, who stood out for having a rich vocal timbre. He would have had an easy career in the golden age of radio and shows great potential on stage.
Adding a heaping amount of class to the ambience was Allyson Hood as Mocha Phillips, voicing the sweet Mary Bailey, among others. She was especially interesting to watch while she performed various sound effects.
Watching the cast create the acoustic ambiance was almost as entertaining as the dialogue. Every move was carefully choreographed and timed, as they moved from station to station silently.
A few feedback issues were distracting, as microphones played an important part in this show. At certain intervals, the cast performed radio jingles during sponsor breaks, but pitch was an issue at times.
It may be a little too soon for holiday shows, considering the peppermint tsunami headed our way, but that didn’t seem to bother the sold-out house.
“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” runs at 2 p.m. today; at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4; and twice, at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5. For reservations, call 330-941-3105.