A Wonderfully Timeless Tale: TampaRep’s "It’s a Wonderful Life" Warms the Season
No time of year offers a richer tapestry of experience than the holiday season, weaving together joy, giving, and the comforting embrace of loved ones. This time-honored tradition is beautifully captured in live theater productions, where the magic of storytelling comes alive. TampaRep upholds this tradition with gusto, offering a unique twist on a beloved story: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
Embarking on this timeless journey, the audience is transported back to the golden age of radio. The stage transforms into a 1940s soundstage, complete with period-appropriate microphones, jarring sound effects, and the unmistakable Wartime Radio jingle. It’s time to imagine the magic of “tuning in” as TampaRep’s masterful ensemble breathes life into this iconic tale.
What makes this production truly shine is its ingenious bridge between past and present. While the story remains true to its period roots, the grounding element shifts, placing the actors within a 2024 setting. Clever anecdotes sprinkled throughout remind us of this modern day context without disrupting the heart of the narrative.
Cameron Kubly delivers a captivating performance as George Bailey, the everyman struggling with disillusionment. Kubly’s genuine portrayal evokes both George’s warmth and vulnerability, drawing the audience into his world. Across the stage, Jalyn King enchants as Mary Hatch Bailey. Her captivating eyes and undeniable chemistry with Kubly make their scenes together tender and heartfelt.
Adding to the richness of the production is the remarkable talent of Michael Gregory as the Announcer. He effortlessly navigates a staggering thirteen characters, each distinct and vividly etched. Terry Spann dives deep into empathy as Clarence Odbody, offering a heartwarming portrayal that tugs at every heartstring.
Kelsey Painter shines with delightful comedic timing as Violet Bick, demonstrating a brilliant grasp of accents with each character she embodies. Melia Lorenz adds a grounding presence as the Stage Manager, bringing the behind-the-scenes feel of a recording session to life.
But the true genius of this production lies not only in the actors’ abilities but also in the masterful sound design by Jeremy Douglass. His Foley work is nothing short of breathtaking; every water splash, door slam, and bustling city noise evokes a sensory experience that transports the audience into the world of the play.
Director Colleen Cherry expertly navigates this intricate production. Her debut directing Adult performers showcases a remarkable vision and eye for detail. Every element of the set, lighting by William Glenn, and exquisite costumes by Newt Rametta, harmonizes to create a visually stunning and technically incredible spectacle.
TampaRep’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play” is not simply a holiday performance – it’s a gift. A gift of storytelling that transcends time, reminding us of the enduring power of hope, love, and the invaluable impact we each have on the world. This unforgettable performance will leave you feeling warm and optimistic, ready to embrace the magic of the season.
"It’s a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play" is on stage through December 23rd at the Straz Center’s Shimberg Playhouse. For tickets and more information, visit www.strazcenter.org.
PHOTO CREDIT: STAGE PHOTOGRAPHY OF TAMPA, SPOT LLC.
Reader Reviews
What are the unique elements of TampaRep’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”?
## Interview: A Timeless Tale Brought to Life
**Host:** Welcome back! Today we’re talking about a holiday production that’s sure to warm your heart. Joining us is Alex Reed, who recently saw TampaRep’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.”
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** Let’s talk about this unique take on a classic story. What makes TampaRep’s production stand out?
**Alex Reed:** This isn’t your typical “It’s a Wonderful Life.” They’ve set it in a 1940s radio studio, so it’s like stepping back in time. The staging is fantastic – microphones, sound effects, the whole bit – and it really transports you. [[1](https://www.tamparep.org/wonderfullife/program-wonderfullife/)]
**Host:** Interesting! This takes place at a time when radio was king. Do you feel like that adds to the experience of the story?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Hearing the story unfold through radio narration, with all the period-specific details, really highlights the power of storytelling through sound. It’s like listening to an old-time radio drama come to life.
**Host:** And the story itself, while timeless, is given a modern twist, right?
**Alex Reed:** Exactly. While the core narrative remains faithful to the original, these subtle nods to 2024 ground the story in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
**Host:** Any stand-out performances you’d like to mention?
**Alex Reed:** Antonio Edwards as George Bailey is phenomenal. He captures both the character’s strength and vulnerability so well, you can’t help but feel for him. And Jalyn King as Mary Bailey brings a bright light to the stage. Their chemistry is wonderful to watch.
**Host:** Wow, sounds like a production not to be missed! For our viewers wanting to catch a performance, where can they find more information?
**Alex Reed:** You can check out TampaRep’s website for showtimes and tickets.
