Brooklyn Theater Company tackles ‘It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play’

BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn Theater Company presents “It’s a Wonderful Life — A Live Radio Play,” Dec. 5 — 7 at the Brooklyn Opera House.

The production tells the classic story in the format of a 1940s radio show with the actors reading for more than 40 different characters.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 5 — 6 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7.

Tickets are available on the Brooklyn Opera House website brooklynoperahouse.com/events, or at the door before the performance.

“Our actors are portraying radio show actors, who are reading the parts of all of the characters, sometimes in different voices and sometimes talking to themselves in different characters,” noted director Jeff Britts.

“You will see many familiar faces as well as some new additions to the Brooklyn Opera House stage. Many of the sound affects you hear are produced live (Foley) like they did in the traditional radio shows: windows breaking, doors slamming, dishes clanking.”

The play is under the director of Jeff Britts, a first time director in his 10th production with the Brooklyn Theater Company. He selected this play because he has always enjoyed old time radio shows.

“This is a great opportunity to do something a little different than our past Christmas productions,” said Britts.

Actors:

George Bailey — Rob Hanlon; Mary Hatch Bailey — Jamin Manatt; Clarence, Billy Bailey, various townspeople — Josh Gerard; announcer, Joseph, Peter Bailey — Harold Wheeler; Mr. Potter, Harry Bailey, Mr. Gower, Sam Wainwright, various townspeople — Mike McKenna; Violet Bick, various townspeople — Abby Smith; Rose Bailey, various townspeople — Lucia Dooge; Mrs. Hatch, Ruth, Dr. Campbell, Sadie, various townspeople — Karin Zern; young George Bailey, Tommy Bailey — Isaiah Williams; young Mary Hatch, Janie Bailey, Bert, various townspeople — Alaina Holmes; young Harry Bailey, Pete Bailey — Silas Gerard; Zuzu Bailey — Ella Manatt; stage manager, Foley Artist — Jeff Britts.