W. Scott McLucas Studio Theatre
The 1946 Live Radio Play
adapted by Anthony Palermo
directed by Charlotte Moore
December 4 – 29, 2013
Christmas Eve, 1946… George Bailey, the nicest guy in town is in a terrible predicament. We find him perched precariously on a bridge, on the verge of suicide. Enter Clarence, George’s guardian angel, who has not yet earned his wings. Clarence shows George what Bedford Falls would be if George had never been born!
This beloved holiday-season drama is brought vividly to life in a stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film of sacrifice and redemption in small-town America. Set in a radio station in the 1940s, with a live sound FX artist, this poignant drama features six actors portraying 25 unforgettable characters.
P.S. Clarence wins his wings.
“If it’s the holiday spirit you’re after and tired of all the hype this time of year, you can do no better than spending 70 wonderful minutes experiencing the delightful re-telling of Frank Capra’s classic movie.” -NY1, Roma Torre
“This feather-light show is a small triumph…amusing parodies of 1940s commercials and an agreeable bonhomie among the cast, enabl[e] this production, like the angel Clarence, to earn its wings.” –The New York Times
“This charmingly low-tech, small-scale adaptation will make you long to see the film again.” – NY Post
“seems to get better each time I hear it.” -TheaterMania
“In testament to the adaptation, director, and splendid cast, the story shines through endearing and pristine. This is a perfectly lovely way to greet the holidays.Director Charlotte Moore imbues a delightful visit to the past with freshness. Her physically minimalist approach, keeps attention fixed on the emotions of the characters rather than the actors. -Woman Around Town
“While there’s no crying need for yet another seasonal show, there’s always room for good theater. In boiling Capra’s movie down to a crisp 60 minutes, shedding much of its cloying sentimentality while retaining its emotional potency, Irish Rep has created just that.” –Backstage
“The classic film comes alive in a refreshingly novel manner. And as directed by Charlotte Moore it ends up being a miniature coup de theatre.” –Curtain Up