One of my favourite things to do around the holidays is to snuggle into my favourite movies, even though I’ve watched them time and time again. “It’s A Wonderful Life” is absolutely one of those films, so imagine my delight at hearing that Young People’s Theatre was doing a production of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play! Directed by Herbie Barnes, it’s fun for the whole family and brings the magic and the meaning of the season to life in the most unique and engaging way.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play tells the story of George Bailey, his rise and fall from grace, and how he’s saved by an Angel (Second Class) named Clarence. When Clarence shows him what his little town would be like had George never been born, George realizes that a person who is rich in friends is truly rich indeed. What makes It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play unique is that the foley art is being performed live in tandem with the acting. Meaning that throughout the performance there is always someone making sounds with one, or more, of the foley props set out throughout their little radio studio. It is mesmerizing to watch; at the beginning they invite you to close your eyes and let the story play out in your mind, but I would have been sorry to miss even a moment of their incredible performances.
While I’ve heard this story numerous times, it struck me differently this year; I think in a year where inflation is high and so many are struggling to make ends meet around Christmas, the reminder that money isn’t everything is more valuable now than ever. I hope that the message that it’s what you do with our life, not how much you have, resonated with audience members the same way it did for me: it’s certainly one that I think the younger audience members definitely need to hear.
There were plenty of young ones in the audience at the matinee which I attended, and it brightened my heart to see them all so excited to be seeing a show. I heard plenty of laughter and they certainly liked the audience participation bit at the beginning of the performance. Theatre is magical, and especially for a production like this one which helps you see behind the curtain a little bit, and I think this is the perfect kind of show to get your youngsters bit by the theatre bug!
The cast of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is a textbook example of an ensemble cast; because they are accompanying the text with the sound effects, it means that they rarely, if ever, have a moment where they’re just relaxing in between their scenes. Often they’re having to jump straight from the mic, to a foley object and sometimes back again in a flash! This incredible feat is accomplished by Caitlyn MacInnis, Amy Matysio, Shaquille Pottinger, Anand Rajaram, and Cliff Saunders. The five of them blew me away; from the first moment to the last, they are high energy and enchanting. Pottinger’s George Bailey is a beautiful homage to James Stewart, while also being a character all his own. MacInnis does a beautiful job of bring Mary Bailey to life; her sweetness and empathy shining through every moment. Rajaram and Saunders certainly provide the comic relief in their several roles; their charisma and comedic timing are simply marvellous! Matysio brings warmth and kindness with her portrayal of George’s mother amongst other characters, and I found her particularly fascinating to watch while doing the foley art. I must commend these wonderful artists for their work on this piece; I hope they can feel the joy and delight they’re bringing to each and every audience.
If you or your little ones want to learn more about the art of foley and sound design, Young People’s Theatre as a “Fun with Foley!” Exhibit which is free! You can book your free tickets to the exhibit when purchasing your tickets to a performance of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. It’s a fun, hands on way for audience members of all ages to learn how to create sound effects just like the performers in the show!
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is a true treat this holiday season! You have until December 30th to be a part of this amazing experience; trust me, you won’t want to miss it! For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/its-a-wonderful-life/
Cover Photo: The cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at YPT; Set & Costume Design by Shannon Lea Doyle; Lighting Design by Shawn Henry; Photo by Dahlia Katz.
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