M-A Drama’s fall production, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, performed its opening show in the Performing Arts Center last weekend. The show recreates a 1940s radio broadcast with vintage microphones, live sound effects, and jingles. The production will continue to run through Nov. 21–22, with the final show on Nov. 23.
The play is adapted from the film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, which was originally based on the short story, ‘The Greatest Gift’ by Philip Van Doren Stern. The play is performed in a round, with the audience seated on stage around the cast while they put on a live radio show.
The PAC stage was arranged to resemble a mid-century radio studio featuring a lit “On Air” sign. The set also included a Foley table situated onstage with an array of props, including a pail with water, bottles, and a small door. Freshman Izzy Bartlet and senior Audrey Lee operated the Foley table, producing footsteps, door sounds, and more real-time sound effects.
The cast is led by sophomore Zak Rasmussen as George Bailey, freshman Julianne Morrissey as Mary Hatch, and senior Kealy Bryman as Clarence Oddbody.
The story follows George Bailey, a man who spends his life putting others before himself, but eventually begins to feel the pressure of others in his small town. When he reaches his breaking point, his guardian angel, Clarence, shows him what Bedford Falls would look like if he had never been born. This different reality opens George’s eyes and he begins to realize how much he has shaped the lives around him and how meaningful his impact truly is.
The production also included original radio jingles, one for hair tonic and another for soap, both performed by the cast. According to the director’s notes, the radio-play format is meant to highlight themes of community, connection, and the value of each person’s impact on others. Drama directors Danette Bathauer and Rebecca DuMaine invite the audience to travel back several decades while also connecting with messages that remain relevant today.
Rasmussen, who plays George Bailey, thoroughly enjoyed his role. “My favorite part would have to be after everybody started pitching in the money during the ending scenes. That genuinely brought a smile to my face,” he said.
“I had done a production over at Hillview where I did not learn my lines, I felt super ashamed of that. This really feels like redemption from that, and I feel really proud of myself for getting through all of like 300 and something lines.” Rasmussen added.
Students were also tasked with performing multiple characters throughout the show. Some students appeared as narrators, townspeople, and singers as the story unfolded. The crew additionally included stage managers, foley artists, and costume staff who supported the radio show format behind the scenes.
Junior Hudson Brazel, currently in his third year performing with M-A’s drama program, plays Joseph, Old Man Gower, and Sam Wainwright. “It’s fun, witty, and honest,” he said. Brazel explained that switching between the characters involves stepping back from the microphone and adjusting his posture to ensure he has the right tone and is ready to perform the next role.
“My favorite part would be playing Sam because I got to do this really obnoxious voice and I just got to mess around with my friends while we were on stage together,” Brazel said.
Tickets can be purchased both online and at the box office.
