Just about everyone has seen Frank Capra’s delightful Holiday film favorite “It’s a Wonderful Life,” so we know the story of George Bailey’s transformation from young man with big dreams to suicidal depressive to most-loved man in town. So, how you may ask does a radio play version of this icon of seasonal entertainment work? In the case of Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of Joe Landry’s hilarious adaptation of the screenplay, superbly! Five actors play dozens of roles, including as the actors who play the familiar characters from the movie in the radio “script,” and, they trade off providing all the Foley sound effects throughout. The cast is delightful and Matthew Floyd Miller is especially notable for making one forget Jimmy Stewart, so engaging is his take on the central character George Bailey. From the harried pre-show banter between actors as they prepare go on the air and mingle with the audience signing programs and chatting, to the tear inducing happy ending, director Brian McDonald moves things along at a brisk and invigorating pace, with slapstick and fun-filled visuals, pathos and joy coming at you non-stop. You’ll be laughing the whole way and amazed at how entertaining and effective the whole endeavor is. Go see it, and enjoy this perfect antidote to current affairs!
