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Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961.

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Reader's Theater and Art Center Theater
present:

It's a Wonderful Life:
A Live Radio Play

Adapted for radio-on-stage by Tony Palermo
Original score composed and arranged by Jonathan Green

Coleman Auditorium
Gualala Arts Center
Saturday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m.
  Sunday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m.
Buy tickets
online

A recording of the play will be broadcast on
KTDE, 100.5 FM, Gualala

    Friday, December 23 at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m.
    Sunday, December 25 at 12:00 noon

The Gualala Arts Reader's Theater and Art Center Theater will present two performances of the radio play version of the Holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life" on Saturday evening, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, December 18 at 2:00 p.m..

Radio Play Inspired by "It's a Wonderful Life," the classic American Frank Capra film, "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," directed by Katie Atherton, will be performed as if it were an actual live radio broadcast on Christmas eve, 1946.

At the heart of the show is the classic story of George Bailey and the people of Bedford Falls. But the production also contains all the elements of a live radio show including live sound effects, live organ underscoring and commercial breaks / jingles. Those who come to this show will get to experience first hand the great fun of being the audience at a live radio show broadcast. The audience's reactions (laughter, applause, etc.) were an essential component of a 1940s radio broadcast. On top of that, this show will actually be recorded and broadcast on our own local radio station, KTDE!

Performing the dozens of characters that make up the play are the members of the Gualala Arts Readers Theater. Members meet monthly on the first Tuesday and enjoy exposure to a wide variety of play literature and the pleasure of exploring different roles, using their voices and facial expressions to bring the characters to life. All members of the community are welcome to join Readers Theater; call Gualala Arts office 884-1138 for details.

Radio Play The cast for the radio show includes Jan Carter, Dennis Carter, Joel Crockett, Mary Sue Ittner, Morgan Lambert, Jim Littlejohn, Mary Retzer, Karen Serratoni, Jane Simmonds, David Skibbins, Karen Tracy, Tina Vasavada and Bob Welch. Sabina Walla will produce the live sound effects on stage while Pete Spinelli will add the pre-recorded ones from the booth. Don Krieger will perform the classic radio show organ accompaniment live on stage.

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's nice to have an opportunity to sit back for a few moments and be filled with all the warmth and joy that Christmas is truly about. The running time of this show is approximately an hour and ten minutes, a brief time that is jam-packed with laughter, heart and spectacle. Those familiar with the movie or those brand new to this material will all be gifted with a snappy radio version of the tale. Come and join in as the live audience for this unique radio adventure! No matter how cold it is outside, this Christmas offering is guaranteed to warm your heart!

Tickets are $10 advance, $5 more on the day of the performance. Youth 7 to 17 free. For advance purchase, go to Brown Paper Tickets or call them at 800-838-3006. To purchase in person, visit the Gualala Arts Center or Dolphin Gallery in Gualala.


Gualala Arts 50th anniversary logo

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Gualala Arts, 1961 - 2011

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.