Back by popular demand, Rohnert Park’s Spreckels Theatre Company presents Joe Landry’s It’s a Wonderful Life, a family-friendly radio play adaption of the Christmastime staple best known for the classic 1946 film starring Jimmy Stewart. It runs in the Spreckels Performing Arts Center’s Condiotti Studio Theater through Dec. 14.
Featuring several actors from last year’s cast, and directed by Jenny Hollingworth, the show offers a nostalgic holiday story with an absolutely beautiful set by Eddy Hansen, live Foley sounds performed with fluid skill by Gabe Adelman and plucky piano music by Janis Dunson Wilson. The atmosphere is charming and feels authentic. If one has ever listened to radio plays, they’ll be right at home.
Nic Moore runs a proverbial and moving marathon as the actor playing George Bailey, our classic American Everyman, who has a sudden crisis brought on by his small town, 1940s existence and wishes he’d never been born, setting off a nightmare scenario in which he witnesses a world without himself.
This is a strong performance, and Moore is intense—never missing a beat. His work is full of intention and connection with his fellow actors: Rosie Frater, John Craven, Allison Lovelace and Matt Farrell (who are themselves portraying actors performing said radio play).
Allison Lovelace is steady and vibrant as George’s love, Mary. The brilliant Rosie Frater plays multiple supporting roles (as do Craven and Farrell) with frightening ease, smoothly transitioning from adult to child, all with absolute distinction and sharp characterization. Frater is a true marvel.
John Craven convinces as the dastardly Mr. Potter, the thorn in George’s side, and Matt Farrell offers some good-natured chaos as helpful angel Clarence. There are many distinctions that have to be made to play multiple characters, and this cast is mostly successful, with a few minor quibbles.
The Foley aspects make this production. Magic is created with cornflakes, a bag full of glass and a mallet, and two shoes being precisely clacked together, amongst other ingenious techniques. This gorgeous work is worth the ticket price alone, but is also supported by colorful period costumes (Adriana Gutierrez), finely detailed props (Mary Jo Hamilton) and warm lighting (Hansen).
After rewarding the cast with a standing ovation, the audience walked away sniffling and smiling. For a little holiday cheer, one might consider catching this show.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play’ runs through Dec. 14 in the Condiotti Experimental Theater at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Fri-Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $14–$34. 707.588.3400. spreckelsonline.com.
