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Encore Players of Livermore invite everyone to travel virtually to Bedford Falls for “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play,” based on the holiday classic movie released in 1946.
The tale takes place one December night when an angel named Clarence is sent from heaven to show George Bailey, a desperate man, what life would have been like if he hadn’t been born. In this production, the cast of 17 actors play multiple roles as well as perform the live sound effects.
“‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is the perfect show for the holidays, especially this year,” said director Martie Muldoon, a Livermore resident. “A radio play lends itself well to Zoom, though presents new challenges.”
Muldoon said getting everyone’s voices, the cameras and sound effects working well together for a virtual platform has been part of the challenge.
“We decided to use live sounds because it’s more authentic, as well as more fun for the cast,” she explained. “We encourage the audience to watch for those live sound effects, as well as live music, as they listen to the story.”
Livermore actor Tim Ackerman plays the angel Clarence.
“I am enjoying myself immensely,” Ackerman said. “It feels good to ‘act’ again. And Clarence really lives up to his name — Oddbody. He is quirky but lovable.”
Maya Allwardt, a recent graduate of Foothill High School, wrote the show’s music plus is voicing some of the characters.
“It’s been a challenge but also super exciting,” Allwardt said. “I’m having so much fun with this wonderful cast, and I can’t wait for everyone to see the show.”
The cast also includes Donna Blevins, Lea Blevins, Lesleyann Coker, Bob Cowgill, Grare Davis, Judy Fenton, Yana Ghannam, Pat Goard, Marsha Howard, Bruce Kaplan, Victorian King-Bowman, Bill Leach, Joyce Rocha, Meredith Sarboraria and Ray Spooner.
“I’m delighted to have such a large cast, made up of veteran performers along with first-timers,” Muldoon said. “We’ve been having a wonderful time.”
Performances are at 7 p.m. next Tuesday (Dec. 15), hosted by the Livermore Public Library; and at 7 p.m. next Saturday (Dec. 19), hosted by Encore Players. There is no admission fee, but donations are appreciated to cover script and royalty costs.
For Zoom performance links, visit www.encoreplayers.net, or contact Encore Players at encoreplayersoflivermore@gmail.com.
Encore Players formed in 2014 to provide a venue for amateur actors and directors to share their passion for theater with the community. Actors of all ages take part in performances although the troupe particularly looks for works with roles for “seasoned” actors.
