By Carol Davis
SAN DIEGO — For the past five years Cygnet Theatre has mounted the radio version of the Frank Capra movie It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapted by Joe Landry and directed by Sean Murray with musical direction by Billy Thompson.
The holiday patterns of many of our local theatre’s run pretty true to form with The Old Globe running with The Grinch, New Village Arts in Carlsbad mounting Santaland Diaries and Cygnet has their own “Wonderful Life.”
Once again a trip down memory lane is in order. The movie, which is a popular standard bearer during the holiday season, takes place in 1946 in the small town of ‘Bedford Falls’. George Bailey was born and grew up there. His father before him had a small building and loan business and the name Bailey was respected throughout the community.
His son George slated to make another name for himself wanted to travel, see the world and go to college before he settled down. But life got in the way of his dreams and due to circumstances not of his own making, (his father has a stroke and passes and his older brother Harry is offered and opportunity for a great job and George cannot let him pass it up) he remained in Bedford Falls married his favorite gal Mary, raised a family and took over the family business with some assistance from his uncle Billy.
Life was good to George and his family for a time. He was able to grow the business, ward off attempts from the money-grubbing big wigs and slum owners in the name of Mr. Potter and settle down.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse on this particular Christmas Eve when Uncle Billy misplaced an $8,000 deposit while kibitzing at the bank with Mr. Potter. When the bank examiners heard of the negative position George and his company were in and Potter refused to grant him a loan for the money, George became despondent and wished he had never been born. He decides he is worth more dead than alive. He ponders suicide by jumping into the icy river below.
While George is standing on a bridge that spans the river, Clarence, his guardian Angel comes to the rescue. Clarence, who is an Angel in training, is assigned to save George’s life. If he is able to succeed in this mission, he will become a full-fledged Angel and thereby get his wings.
When George tells Clarence that he wishes he had never been born, Clarence takes George on a journey he will never forget proving that it is a wonderful life after all and that everyone’s life is worth saving and makes a difference to those you touch. *
Now think about how this little scenario will sound as acted out for a radio audience and this is where Cygnet Theatre shines. Some might remember that once upon a time before TV there was radio. Radio did all the things TV does but those who remember know that we had to use our imaginations while listening. Fast forward to radio station WCYG in Manhattan where our play begins
Cygnet’s “Live Radio Play” gives us a backstage pass into all the mechanisms of what goes into mounting a radio play both technically and artistically. On the artistic side we have the wonderfully talented Tom Andrew as George Bailey. If you close your eyes, you can hear Jimmy Stewart (he is the movie persona of George) speaking as George Bailey). Tim West, long time force in San Diego theatre, is simply wonderful as both Clarence and Uncle Billy. Both roles suit him well.
Jonathan Dunn-Rankin, a true to life radio and TV actor and announcer lends his deep resonant voice as that of Freddy Fillmore (the announcer of the show and Mr. Potter). Amanda Sitton is great as Mary the eager wide-eyed teenager smitten with George and later George’s devoted wife. Veronica Murphy as George’s mother, David McBean, his brother and other voices along with Melissa Fernandes who takes on more than one voice all add to the overall sound of the production.
Murray’s direction is aimed at the heart. Shirley Pierson’s costume design is spot on period. Matt Lescault-Woods’ sound with Michelle Caron’s lighting design and Scott Paulson’s amazing sounds make this a radio show you will enjoy hearing as well as watching.
*
Recently a dear friend and well-known actor Sandra Ellis-Troy passed away in her sleep. She was a young 68 years and came into the world of acting after she had several careers and if you will, lives before being on stage.
You always knew, when you entered a room, whether or not Sandy was there or had been. She was a larger than life presence wherever she went. Her gusto, vigor, charisma, caring, candor and love of life are but a small sampling of her many trademarks.
I met her personally many years ago. When we did see each other at theatre events or just by chance, we always had this running conversation about our hair. She admired that I could wear mine soo short and wished she had the nerve to do the same. It was silly, but it was ours. And I always loved seeing her act in the many roles she undertook. She was damn good.
I’m positive there are thousands of stories out there by her many hundreds of friends and fans who can share how their lives were touched and possibly changed by her being a part of our world and vice versa. What matters is that we and the community in which she cherished and lived are better off for having our lives touched by this magnetic force.
This coming January 10th, The San Diego Theatre Critic’s Circle will honor her memory at their annual awards ceremony by presenting the Sandra Ellis-Troy Scholarship to a deserving youngster in honor of her work with young actors with whom she mentored. Tax deductable donations to the fund can be made directly to the non-profit San Diego Theatre Critics Circle at 1613 Madrid Drive, Vista, CA 92081.
PS – Earth to Sandy. I just had my hair cut!
See you at the theatre.
Dates: Through December 31ast
Organization: Cygnet Theatre
Phone: 619-337-1525
Production Type:
Where: 2410 Congress Street San Diego, CA 92110
Ticket Prices: $24.00-$49.00
Web: cygnettheatre.com
Venue: Theatre In Old Town
*
Davis is a San Diego-based theatre critic