It's a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Volcano Vista High School Drama Department
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
Our performances will take place in the Black Box, which will transform into the stage and auditorium of Studio A at WBFR in Manhattan, New York, Christmas Eve, 1946. Thursday’s production will include holiday-themed treats. Friday and Saturday performances will include New Mexican-themed holiday dinners; reservations required.
Cast:
Announcer/Stage Manager – Sean Testerman
George Bailey – Ben Ramsey
Clarence/Mr. Gower/Mr. Welch – Matt Trujillo
Mr. Potter/Old Man Collins/Ed/Sherriff – Gilbert White
Uncle Billy/Martini/Nick/Ernie – Joe Novicki
Joseph/Harry Bailey/Bert/Charlie – Zachary Farmer
Sam Wainwright/Bridge Keeper/Binkey/Cop – Josiah Lara
Mary Hatch Bailey – Monica Johnson
Violet Bick/Matilda – Genni Emms & Hannah Coffelt
Ruth Bailey/Mrs. Thompson – Kylee Gary-Clayburgh
Rose Bailey/Mrs. Hatch – Meredith Pankratz
Young George/Pete Bailey – Owen Salinas
Young Mary/Janie Bailey – Anessa Thompkins
Young Harry/Tommy Bailey – Jeremiah Lara
Young Violet/Zuzu Bailey - Jahzel Fishgrab
Rehearsal Schedule
All actors are required to attend ALL scheduled rehearsals. NO EXCEPTIONS!! The show is intended to be performed as a live radio show, so fewer rehearsals than usual are necessary.
o Tuesday, November 27 (2:45 – 5:00) – Read-through; radio show prep
o Thursday, November 29 (2:45 – 5:00) – Voice acting; character development; costume fittings
o Monday, December 3 (2:45 – 5:00) – Run-through with SFX, props, set
o Monday, December 3 (5:00 – 6:30) – Hair and Makeup tutorials
o Wednesday, December 5 (3:00 – 6:00) – Final Dress Rehearsal (run-through show twice)
performances
All actors and crew are required to attend ALL scheduled performances. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Thursday, December 6
5:00 Actor and Crew Call
5:30 Cast Dinner (Potluck: Breakfast for Dinner)
6:00 House Opens
6:30 Curtain
Friday, December 7
5:00 Actor and Crew Call
5:30 Cast Dinner (Potluck: Taco Bar)
6:00 House Opens
6:30 Audience Dinner is served
7:00 Curtain
Saturday, December 8
5:30 Actor and Crew Call (please arrive fed)
6:00 House Opens
6:30 Audience Dinner is served
7:00 Curtain
8:00 Caroling
9:00 Cast Holiday Mug Exchange/Circle (Location TBD)
parent info
- We are in search of a location that accommodates a LARGE group for our Cast Holiday Mug Exchange.
- We are also seeking out restaurants/caterers to help provide traditional New Mexican holiday foods (posole, tamales, biscochitos) for our dinner theatre performances.
- We will gladly accept parent volunteers for assisting with the organization and serving meals for our dinner theatre performances.