{"id":4389,"date":"2012-11-06T13:40:49","date_gmt":"2012-11-06T18:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/college.unc.edu\/?p=4389"},"modified":"2024-07-02T13:35:23","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T13:35:23","slug":"playmakers-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/collegearchive.unc.edu\/?p=4389","title":{"rendered":"PlayMakers presents beloved holiday classic \u2018It\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Ensemble in PlayMakers Repertory Company\u2019s production of \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play\u201d adapted by Joe Landry. Photo by Jon Gardiner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This holiday season PlayMakers Repertory Company will treat Triangle audiences to a family-friendly live version of a treasured holiday film with its production \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play\u201d by Joe Landry.<\/p>\n

PlayMakers, the professional theater in residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will present \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play\u201d Nov. 28-Dec. 16 in the Paul Green Theatre at UNC\u2019s Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road.<\/p>\n

Show times will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, and 2 p.m. Sundays. For a complete schedule, more information and to purchase tickets, call (919) 962-PLAY (7529) or visit www.playmakersrep.org<\/a>. Tickets are $15 to $50.<\/p>\n

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L to R in foreground: MAREN SEARLE as Sally Applewhite\/Mary and KATJA HILL as Lana Sherwood\/Violet, with the Ensemble, in PlayMakers Repertory Company\u2019s production of \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play\u201d adapted by Joe Landry. Photo by Jon Gardiner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The entertainment begins with the theater transformed into a 1940s radio studio with the theater-goers as the live studio audience. A company of radio players take their places to perform the story of Frank Capra\u2019s award-winning \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u201d as a Christmas Eve broadcast, along with music and sound effects, just as James Stewart, Donna Reed and other original cast members reprised their roles for the radio airwaves. Then, the PlayMakers actors assume the roles of the beloved movie characters — George and Mary Bailey, Clarence the Angel, little Zuzu and other denizens of Bedford Falls — stepping into the iconic scenes that have warmed hearts for generations.<\/p>\n

The Boston Globe called the stage version \u201cmagic \u2026 a \u2018wonderful\u2019 night at the theater.\u201d Broadway World said that \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u201d is \u201ca fantastic show for all ages.\u201d<\/p>\n

PlayMakers producing artistic director Joseph Haj calls the play a story of redemption that resonates with young and old, saying, \u201c\u2018It\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u2019 has become the American \u2018Christmas Carol,\u2019 an inspirational tale that families share as an anticipated annual event.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe invite everyone to experience the true spirit of the season with this unique opportunity to see one of the classic screen\u2019s most cherished gems come to life.\u201d<\/p>\n

PlayMakers\u2019 production of \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play\u201d is dedicated to the legacy of Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, a respected civic and philanthropic leader, who supported education, children\u2019s services, health care and the arts. She was a trustee of The Duke Endowment, serving as its first female chair, and a trustee of Duke University for 20 years.<\/p>\n

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R: MAREN SEARLE as Sally Applewhite\/Mary and TODD LAWSON as Jake Laurents\/George in PlayMakers Repertory Company\u2019s production of \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play\u201d adapted by Joe Landry. (photo by Jon Gardiner.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In conjunction with \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life,\u201d PlayMakers will host \u201cThe Vision Series-Directors in Conversation,\u201d a behind-the-scenes preview with director Nelson T. Eusebio III, along with scenic designer McKay Coble and costume designer Rachel Pollock, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20. At the free public event in the Paul Green Theatre, participants share coffee and hors d\u2019oeuvres provided by series sponsor Jujube Restaurant, learn about the vision for the show and get a sneak peak at the sets and costumes in progress. Reservations are appreciated. Call PlayMakers\u2019 box office at (919) 962-7529 to RSVP.<\/p>\n

Other special events during \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u201d will include:<\/p>\n