Just in time to get you in the holiday spirit, Metro Theater Company presents a reinvented version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as a play within a play at The Grandel Theatre in the Grand Center Arts District.
Now through Dec. 15, the American classic comes to life on stage in the new adaptation by St. Louis playwright John Wolbers, with a clever twist: the story is staged as a 1940s live radio broadcast within a play. Complete with microphones, live sound effects by a Foley artist, 1940s period costumes and a diverse company of characters, it tells the story of George Bailey and the town of Bedford Falls, touching on all the fascinating character backstories. The play, directed by Metro artistic director, Julia Flood, also illuminates the powerful, life-affirming message that one life can change the whole fabric of a community.
Set in a radio station, KMTC Radio St. Louis, on Christmas Eve 1949, the cast transforms from their radio station staff characters into multiple characters from Bedford Falls in the “live” broadcast of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The witty, heartwarming script includes references to St. Louis favorites such as Forest Park, and the cast even sings “Meet Me in St. Louis.” It also includes some audience participation, with the real audience (at The Grandel) serving as the play’s live studio audience, clapping every time the light-up applause sign activates.
Metro Theater Company commissioned this new adaptation that brings audiences back to the golden age of radio, a time when radios were considered a household necessity and families gathered around them for news and entertainment, and is appealing to all ages. From the humor to the characters, “It’s a Wonderful Life” ushers in a new generation of fans and allows older audiences to introduce the holiday mainstay to their children and grandchildren.
“I am delighted to bring this holiday classic for the whole family to The Grandel stage,” Flood said. “This fresh take on the story is deeply rooted in bringing community together, and is magic in the hands of this talented ensemble of actors.”
The seven-member cast includes Carl Overly, Jr., Chris E. Ware, Roxane McWilliams, Alicia Revé Like, Nicole Angeli, Mindy Shaw and Abraham Shaw.
Major support for “It’s a Wonderful Life” is provided by the Arts & Education Council, Berges Family Foundation, Kranzberg Arts Foundation, Missouri Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts and Regional Arts Commission. The Grandel Theatre is a Kranzberg Arts Foundation venue in Grand Center. The play is recommended for ages 8 and up.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is onstage through Dec. 15. Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.; Fridays at 7 p.m. (no performance on Friday, Nov. 29); Saturdays at 4 p.m. (no performance on Saturday, Dec. 14), at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63108.
Tickets are $20 for adults; $16 for children 10 and under, $14 for groups of 10 or more, and are available through MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or at metrotix.com. The 50-minute production will be followed by a 10-minute Q&A between the cast and audience.
Wolbers has adapted 13 of William Shakespeare’s plays and a stage parody of “The Lord of the Rings” series. He is the author of two original plays: “The Playing Ground” and “Doctor Faustus, or the Modern Prometheus,” which received a St. Louis Theater Circle Award nomination for outstanding new play. He is the producing associate at Metro Theater Company, and has worn many hats for MTC over the years: actor, puppeteer, teaching artist, producing associate and playwright. For the last six years, he has interviewed teachers and students across St. Louis to write scenes of realistic middle school bullying for the innovative bullying prevention program, Say Something, Do Something.
Since 1973, Metro Theater Company has been creating accessible sensory productions that respect young people’s intelligence, tell compelling stories, stimulate curiosity and provoke thoughtful reflection. MTC has reached an audience of more than 2 million, and has a national reputation for excellence in the field of professional theater for young audiences. It has received major honors and awards, locally and nationally. The company is led by Flood and managing director Joe Gfaller.
For more information, visit metroplays.org or call Metro Theater Company at 314-932-7414.
