By Amber C. Nore
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, The TADA Theatre, December 5, 2024
Enjoy the magic of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at The TADA Theatre.
Inspired by the classic film by Frank Capra, this gem of a theatrical production is performed in a new and entertaining way.
The entire town of Bedford Falls comes to life with only five actors portraying all the characters in a fully staged 1940s radio broadcast in front of a live studio audience. Using different hats and a wide range of different voices, this talented cast takes audiences on a delightful trip that’s full of comedy and heart.
The cast includes professional actors Kevin Paul Hofeditz, Cris Rook, Harold Scott, Judy Welch, and Caleb Meers. Add to that, all the sound effects come from a sound table overseen by the engineer in the show delightfully played by Bruce Thiel.
Each actor was a standout and you could tell they were having a wonderful time on stage. This is a quality professional performance! Hofeditz, Scott, Meers and Rook are absolutely mesmerizing performers but it was Welch’s characterization of little ZuZu that stole the show.
I was charmed by the coordination of hats, props, character voices and sounds put together to create this beautiful story. It is exciting to be in the “studio audience “ to witness it all unfold. Every actor on stage delivered a committed, believable performance as dozens of characters. At the end of the show, there were audience members crying and several audibly gasped “wow!”
I was delighted to see this story told so well by everyone in the cast. I left feeling blessed and happy.
The show is expertly directed by Robert D. Rook, with delightful set designed by Jenna Williamson, technical coordination by Kevin Welch, lovely costume coordination by Shelly Self, lighting, sound design by Robert D. Rook and stage management by Candyce Martin.
Don’t miss the story of beleaguered building and loan owner George Bailey and his affable helper angel, Clarence, as you’ve never seen it before. This captivating, life-affirming story is a holiday treat for the entire family reminding us all that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings!
I am so thankful for the fantastic productions from The TADA Theatre! The little theatre doing big things in our community. I can’t wait for next season!
Donations for the Food Bank of Lincoln are encouraged when attending this production.
On opening night, only 2 performances in the run had tickets available so hurry to the website and reserve yours today!
If you go: It’s a Wonderful Life runs December 5-15, 2024. Evenings at 7:30PM and matinees at 2PM. Ticket information at https://www.tadatheatre.info.
Amber C. Nore is a singer/actress/writer who has performed locally with Angels Theatre Company, TADA, Pinewood Bowl and Lincoln Community Playhouse and nationally with Spokane Repertory Theatre and Rogue Players. She sings in the band Andy Pappas & Jukebox Gyro, the debut album “Inside Voices” is available on iTunes and Spotify. Her favorite role has been Stage Mom to her daughter, Chloe and Foster Mom to niece, Mars. Amber is the Director of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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