Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (member, American Theatre Critics Association; Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle), and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos courtesy of Bryan Clifford
(At microphone) Max Schein
It’s A ‘Wonderful’ Homage to Auld Lang Syne
It’s that time again…for singing carols, giving gifts, warm memories. We look back not only on the year that just passed (which had more than its share of stress), but also on rose-tinted days gone by. Ah, nostalgia…
Continuing their celebration of 75 years of outstanding live theatre, Avon Players hits the spot with just the right holiday treat: “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Frank Capra’s classic film favorite from 1946, this time presented as a radio play that captures the era. Adapted from the film for the stage by Joe Landry, the message is universal and timeless, helped along with some angelic intervention. It tells the story of George Bailey, the embodiment of innocence, imagination and optimism. His hopes are dashed time and again, and finally, in desperation, he wishes he had never been born. Despite some dark themes, this is a story of true faith and friendship coming to save the day, with what is arguably the most heartwarming ending in history.
Jonathan Farrel, Foley artists Kim Bertolini, Chloe Schultz
It’s Christmastime, just after the end of World War II. Radio station WAVN in New York City is about to go on the air with a coast-to-coast broadcast of a live dramatic presentation of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The show opens with a pantomime of the radio station cast and crew preparing for airtime, in a series of amusing vignettes, some just killing time before the broadcast, others studying their scripts, kids playing.
An old-time radio station is something you don’t see every day, not even in theatre. Avon Players (courtesy of set designers JD Deierlein and Brad Holoday) has built one for us, complete with a flashing “applause” sign and that fabled collection of sound effect devices called “Foley” that recreates everyday sounds, from footsteps on crunching gravel and splashing water to phones ringing, doors opening and closing. Add in great period costumes (Anne Curtis, Sheryl Rissel, Maya Rockafellow), music, and fun vintage radio commercials, and you’re there, transported back 75 years – when Avon Players was born.
Most of the actors – children and adults – are called on to play multiple characters, just like in real radio. It’s fun seeing and hearing them create a different voice and demeanor for each character. No costume changes here, just voice changes. This, and watching the Foley artists do their stuff, is what is so fascinating to watch, let alone following the dramatic developments onstage.
No real surprises for those familiar with the movie (which is just about everybody). The script is almost word-for-word from the film. Director Kevin Curtis keeps the interest up, and the action moving, in this play-within-a-play. Tom Arwady is sympathetic as the beleaguered George. There are solid performances by Dan Muldoon (absent-minded Uncle Billy), Mark Misch (sweetly goofy Clarence the Angel) and Nikki Mullaly (George’s devoted wife Mary).
Nikki Mullaly, Tom Arwady
Max Schein could have a future in radio. He’s perfect as the golden-throated Announcer, then does a complete character turnabout as the stern Joseph, Senior Angel and Clarence’s heavenly boss. Other notable performances are by Jonathan Farrell (Harry Bailey, Bert, Schultz, Horace the Teller) and Richard G Marcil (Henry Potter, Old Man Gower, Mr Welch, Cop). During opening weekend, parts of the show seemed under-rehearsed, and there were a few uneven performances. Some of the actors didn’t project loudly enough to be heard clearly, all of which should improve with time.
But we can’t get enough of those Foley effects, and the warm atmosphere at WAVN. The effects – and the show – are delightful. There’s no better way for the whole family to get into the holiday mood.
Now through December 11, 2021
Tickets $21
Avon Playhouse
1185 Washington Rd
Rochester, MI 48306
(248) 608-9077
www.avonplayers.org
