(Syracuse, NY) Frank Capra’s Oscar nominated film comes to life in Redhouse Arts Center’s imaginative retelling of the Holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life. The story of George Bailey’s journey to redemption will be presented on stage, in the form of a “radio play”, which will be streamed from December 10-20th and will be set in a local radio station in Syracuse, NY, on Christmas Eve 1946. Audiences get to go “behind the scenes” as 5 actors take on over 50 different characters from It’s A Wonderful Life. With only their voices, scripts and acoustic sound effects, we see the actors creatively portraying the story on the radio.
The timing of this beloved tale couldn’t be more perfect as we are transformed to the world of Bedford Falls, NY, where we follow George Bailey as he contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve. This brings on the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence, who shows George how different life would be for his wife Mary, his children and his community. Directed by Redhouse Artistic Director, Hunter Foster, this production will feature many of our favorite local actors. The show will be professionally filmed as a 3-camera shoot in the Redhouse’s Austin and Allyn Theater resulting in a high quality streaming experience. Since all sound effects in a radio play are acoustic, and tailored for radio, one of the more exciting elements in this production is seeing how these sounds are made. A pair of shoes on plywood represent someone walking in a room; corn starch in a leather pouch represent walking in snow; crinkling cellophane creates a fire effect. The “Foley table”, as it’s called, will hold over 30 different props, which actors will use to create these sounds. Foster commented, “This story, which always makes me appreciate my own life, couldn’t be more appropriate with everything we’ve gone through in 2020. It’s a celebration of life, family, faith and humanity”. “We need this show now more than ever.” he concluded.
Redhouse has assembled a stellar cast of wonderfully talented local actors including Stephfond Brunson, Brendon Didio, Robert Denzel Edwards, Marguerite Mitchell and Binaifer Dabu. The creative team for the show includes Lighting Design by Shane Patterson, Video Production and Sound Design by Anthony Vadala, Stage Manager Margot Vengal and Assistant Stage Manager Catharine Ficara.
It’s a Wonderful Life, The Radio play will be streamed December 10th at 7pm -December 20th at 7pm at theredhouse.org. Advanced sale tickets are now available for purchase for $20 per stream. Those will remain on sale through December 9th at 7pm. The streamed show will run from December 10th at 7pm and will run through December 20th at 7pm with the cost of $25; once purchased you have 24 hours to view the show. The show is sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Bousquet Holstein PLLC as well as media sponsor Sunny 102. For questions or additional information please visit the Redhouse website at theredhouse.org or call the box office weekdays during regular business hours at (315) 362-2785.
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Cast Bios
Robert Denzel Edwards (Jake Laurents) is extremely excited to be back after making his virtual theatre debut at the Redhouse with Waiting for the Host and Still Waiting (Vincent)! Recent credits include: Romeo & Juliet (Friar John/Abraham), Bisland & Bly (Tremaine/Cyclone Bill), A Christmas Carol (Fred), Unicorn Girl (Connie), and Kinky Boots (Ensemble). Robert would like to thank God and everyone else who has supported him up to this point in his career.
Marguerite Mitchell (Sally Applewhite) was most recently seen in the Redhouse virtual World Premiere productions of Waiting for the Host and Still Waiting and onstage at The Redhouse in Steel Magnolias (Shelby – SALT Award Recipient for Best Actress). Favorite theatrical credits include: Six Degrees of Separation (Elizabeth – SALT Award Recipient for Best Supporting Actress), Oleanna (Carol – SALT Nominee), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet – SALT Nominee), The Importance of Being Ernest (Cecily Cardew), ’night Mother (Jessie Cates), and Assassins (Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme”). In 2014 she made her directorial debut in the Redhouse LAB with Almost, Maine, and since then has directed and assistant directed four other productions for the organization. She earned her Bachelors Degree from Temple University, double majoring in English Literature and English Education, also studying British Literature at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England and Arts Administration with Drexel University in Philadelphia. In 2011, she received the NYSRA Secondary Teacher of the Year award and was nominated for ASCD’s Outstanding Young Educator Award. She is currently the Director of Education at The Redhouse Arts Center.
Stephfond Brunson (Freddie Filmore) is an Actor, Director, and Choreographer. He was last seen performing on the Redhouse stage as “The Beast” in 70 Scenes of Halloween. Previous Credits include: “Booker T Washington” in Ragtime. “Marcellus” in The Music Man, “Ray” in The Choice, “CC” in Dreamgirls, “Tim” in Noises Off, “Scarecrow” in The Wiz, “Anelle” in Steel Magnolias, “Jack” in Reefer Madness. Choreography credits include: Avenue Q, 13 The Musical, Anything Goes, Footloose, Urinetown, I Do I Do, The Wedding Singer, High School Musical 2, Reefer Madness, Spamalot, Gypsy, The Wild Party. Directing credits include Mamma Mia, 9-5 The Musical, How I Learned to Drive,Drowsy Chaperone, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Gypsy, and The Wild Party.
Binaifer Dabu (Lana Sherwood) is thrilled to return to Redhouse with her virtual debut after performing on stage as the Nurse in Romeo & Juliet. She has performed in India, Boston, Off-Broadway (Lion Theatre), and in Syracuse with variety of theatre companies, including independent film projects and commercials. She is the recipient of multiple State and Regional level awards in theater and her professional career, including The Times of India award. Recently she appeared in an immersive theater piece – Marie and the Nutcracker Prince (Tsarina Alyx), Independence (Evelyn), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck). Some favorite roles: August Osage County (Violet Weston); The Elephant Man (Mrs. Kendal); Importance of Being Earnest (Lady Bracknell); Twelfth Night (Olivia); A Doll’s House (Nora).
Brendan Didio (Harry Heywood) is so excited to be collaborating with the Redhouse team on this project. He is a graduate of Niagara University where he received a BFA in Theatre Performance. Brendan has performed with various companies in Buffalo, NY, including Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Irish Classical Theatre, and MusicalFare Theatre.
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About Red House Arts Center:
Redhouse Arts Center is a professional, not-for-profit theater serving the community by providing leading and inclusive experiences through its theater and educational programs.
For more information visit www.theredhouse.org.
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