Dec. 2-11: Valley Players present ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’
Nov. 30, 2022 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
“It’s a Wonderful Life” isn’t just a TV holiday tradition.
Starting Friday, The Valley Players take to the stage to present eight performances of ‘It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,’ over two weekends Dec. 2-11 in Waitsfield.
Performances will take place at the Valley Players Theater, 4254 Main Street (Rt. 100) with Friday and Saturday evening shows at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances at 2 p.m.
The show is styled as a 1940s live radio broadcast, with an ensemble of five actors bringing to life all the characters from the classic 1946 film. Sound effects will be created live on stage and the show will be punctuated with musical accompaniment and 1940s-era commercials. The show will also be available to watch online through the Valley Players website.
“There is no better way to kick off your holiday season than the story of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’,” said Shannon Sanborn, one of the production’s directors. “Don’t miss your chance to experience what it was like to be in a 1940s studio audience.”
The show was adapted for the stage by Joe Landry and draws from the popular film, telling the story of idealistic George Bailey as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
The cast includes Aric Brown of Middlesex as George Bailey; Danielle Dukette of North Fayston as Mary Hatch; Tom Jacques of Barre as Mr. Potter, Uncle Billy, and others. Sarah Storjohann of Barre plays Violet, Mrs. Hatch, and others; and Susan Loynd of North Fayston takes on the roles of Clarence, Sam Wainwright, and others. Stephanie Seng of Waterbury and Andra Kisler of Northfield are the foley artists for the show using an arsenal of props to create the sounds needed to embellish the story.
Aric Brown plays George Bailey and Sarah Storjohann plays Violet Bick as Tom Jacques looks on in a dress rehearsal of The Valley Players' production of ‘It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,’ weekends Dec. 2-11 in Waitsfield. Photo by Bobby Kintz of Photos by Kintz
Aric Brown plays George Bailey and Danielle Dukette plays Mary Hatch in a dress rehearsal of The Valley Players’ production of ‘It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,’ weekends Dec. 2-11 in Waitsfield. Photo by Bobby Kintz of Photos by Kintz
The set, which reflects a 1940s radio studio, was constructed by Doug Bergstein of Warren along with a team of builders. The lighting was designed by Irene Halibozek of Williston. Musical accompaniment was composed by Kevin Connors and is performed by Daniel Bruce of East Montpelier. The directors are Sanborn of Barre and Ashley Hall of Warren.
Tickets: $18 for the evening performances and $14 for matinees; prices are the same for in-person and livestream tickets. Purchase with a credit card in advance at valleyplayers.com or reserve by calling 802-583-1674. For reservations, cash or check payments are preferred.
At this time, proof of COVID-19 vaccination and masks are not required. The Valley Players will follow recommended Vermont state guidelines at the time of the show.