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Community Corner

It's a Wonderful Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


IMPROV PLAYHOUSE


735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, Illinois 60048, 847-968-4529

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“It’s A Wonderful Life”  Improv Playhouse


 

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The Improv Playhouse Radio Players, professional drama troupe of the Libertyville based theatre company, is performing the live staged radio drama “It’s A Wonderful Life” for a 2 weekend run in Libertyville. David Stuart, Improv Playhouse Executive Producer, is thrilled to be directing and starring in the role of George Bailey, now celebrating the 4th annual holiday tradition.  “This is a story of redemption, where the lead character finds he’s at the end of all hope, only to be presented with a new vision on how his life has affected so many,” says Stuart. The cast is packed with successful actors including veteran character actor Egon Schein from Libertyville (Clarence/Potter), Crystal Lake resident, Erin Clark,  as Mary, and SAG-AFTRA actor and Hainesville resident George Elliott (Superintendent Angel).  Additional cast members include SAG-AFTRA actor Michael Scott Blackman (Deerfield), Jordan Yager (Hawthorne Woods), Nora Broz (Aurora) and Kelly Zea (Chicago).  Four young actors play the child roles. “Sean McCarthy (Antioch) and Sam Lemme (Vernon Hills) are two terrific young actors who have been in many of our youth productions and are the perfect fit to play Young George. We have also cast two wonderful young ladies in Isabelle Koleno (Lake Forest) and Pia Russo (Lincolnshire) to play the young female roles including the role of ZuZu.” Rehearsals go into the detail of training all actors on microphone use, blocking, vocal technique and script handling. “Radio Drama, to be re-enacted accurately, is a far more intricate exercise than people realize. Proximity to the microphones, proper use of voice and script is critical to pulling off a polished, intimate and professional show…it’s really very similar to how live radio drama was performed in front of audiences back in the 20’s-50’s”. It’s a Wonderful Life is the quintessential holiday tale of George Bailey familiar to most and regarded as perhaps the best Christmas movie ever made. To take this story and set it in a 1940s radio studio complete with commercials and a sound effects artist is a great concept, and it is clear why this show has become a staple of the holiday season in Libertyville. “This is a production that will delight all members of every family, from young to old; it emphasizes the joy of the Christmas Holiday, in a little over an hour”, says Stuart.  He continues, “Filled with comedy and drama, the production will leave you with tears of inspiration and laughter.” Stuart says, “We’re holding two weekends of our performances in Libertyville, our home base, with what we trust will be a terrifically successful run.”  From the moment you walk through the doors, you will be transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, and experience the story of George Bailey like never before. Critics have called this production “perfect Christmas theater” and “first-class holiday fare.”  Six performances only,  Friday, Saturday and Sundays 12/7-12/9 & 12/14-16.  Friday & Saturday Performances 8:00pm. Sundays 2:30pm.  Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes long.  Inquire about special dinner package with Trattoria Pomigliano.   The I.P. Theater, 735 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville. Saturday 12/18 7:30p & Sunday, 12/19@2PM. Pre-Sale: $17.50 Adults, $12.50 Seniors, Students, Military. $20 & $15 at the door. Recommended Age: 7 & up, Tickets: 847.968.4529. Purchase on-line at www.improvplayhouse.com.

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