Chances are most folks are more than familiar with the classic Christmas film, It's a Wonderful Life, which has been shown numerous times on TV when December rolls around. It's less likely, however, that fans of the season have extensive experience with It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
And that's a shame, because the play, which opened Friday night at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, is rollicking fun, full of mirth and seasonal lessons worth the re-learning.
Set in 1946 as was the movie, the cast features five actors, who are portraying actors, filling all the major roles that make up the story.
Joe Landry adapted the 1946 Frank Capra film, and set the play in the studio of radio station WBFR, with the actors re-creating the action in the film, thanks to the many voices of the characters.
The Rep did the show once before, in 2008, and one of the actors from 11 years ago is back.
Larry Daggett provides the dramatic voice of Freddie Filmore as the Announcer, and 16 other characters. He played the same role in The Rep's 2008 production, as well as eight other shows at The Rep.
Alan Dronek, as Jake Laurents, has two roles -- that of Young George Bailey and George Bailey -- and he does impressive work as both.
Patrick Halley is just as memorable as Harry "Jazzbo" Heywood, playing Clarence (George's guardian angel) and 10 other roles, with several hilarious accents to boot.
Larissa Klinger plays sweet Sally Applewhite as Young Mary and Mary, destined to meet and marry George Bailey, and Mary Murphy, as Lana Sherwood, has 11 challenging roles as a variety of women.
Giovanna Sardelli directs the show, her second at The Rep, with verve, and the play's appeal is enhanced by the radio studio set, along with period costumes and the numerous sound effects that the actors deftly create during the madcap action.
Performances continue through Dec. 29. More information is available from (501) 378-0405 or at The Rep.org.
Metro on 12/07/2019
CORRECTION: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play runs through Dec. 29 at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main St., Little Rock. An earlier version of this review listed an incorrect closing date.