Because I’ve never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life: Radio Show,” I didn’t really know what to expect from the play. The lights dimmed and the stage shined bright. From the red “On Air” sign to the 40s-styled costumes, the little details of the set indicated I was in for a good show.
Four shiny, silver, classic microphones were placed center stage. Students dressed in striped pant suits and neutral colors began speaking into the microphones. A few seconds in, students alternated places spouting off information. To say the least, I was a little confused. This wasn’t like any other play I’d seen — I guess just like they wanted.
I flipped through the pages of the bulletin to fish for some clues as to what was happening, and that’s where I found the the director’s note. It all made sense.
Director Heather Alverson wrote, “This is a time before smart watches, cell phones, and even television. People were used to sitting and simply listening to stories.” Basically, one of main aspects of producing the play was to get audience members to enjoy a family experience of listening to stories on the radio like those in the 1940s without distractions of technology.
Once I understood the play was meant to be something you’d hear on the radio and not really something you watch, I was able to appreciate the play more. If you continue to have a time understanding, I overheard some guy two rows behind me say to close your eyes during the performance to really get that “radio experience,” but be sure not to fall asleep. Theater works hard for these productions.
Because students had the scripts in front of their hands, there was not an immense amount of pressure to memorize lines. But seniors Clara Griepp and Hayden Hendrickson didn’t need to do that. Goodness, I really have to hand it to them. Hendrickson would glance down at his lines and deliver them with such passion and confidence. They had me hooked. I was so caught up in listening to Clara and Hayden that I forgot I was in the school auditorium. Hands down, great performance.
With the exception of a few students, most had multiple roles. I’d like to point out that junior Shiloh Burk had to engage in dialogue with himself. By transitioning between a puff-chested, stern-speaking bartender to a hunched over, squeaky-voiced angel, Burk gave one of the funniest performances of the play.
Being his first show, I was thoroughly surprised by freshman Cameron Miller. Even though he had five different parts, he delivered each with such ease and talent. Personally, I like to look at the little details of everything, and boy, Miller sure impressed me. I thought to myself, “Who does he remind me of? Oh, yeah. Leonardo DiCaprio.” Whether it may have been his micro-emotions, body language or confidence when he delivered his lines, but he will do great things for the theater department in the future. Keep your eye out for a rising star.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: Radio Story” featured freshman and Foley Artist Kinsley Stuart-Browne who took ordinary objects, like shoes, to create realistic sounds that enhance the performances. When characters would “storm” out of the room, Kinsley would reach down and slam a wooden looking mini door. She definitely deserves some mad credit.
Overall, I enjoyed the wonderful oral interpretation of the script by the cast and the uniqueness with the Foley artist and short commercials between scenes. I’m never disappointed by what I see, so definitely check out one of their next two showings either Dec. 10 at 7.pm or Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Student’ tickets retail at $5 and $7 for parents. Also, be sure to catch the upcoming improv show, Mission IMPROVable, at 7 p.m. on Jan. 10 in the PAC.
