This past Saturday I had the pleasure of seeing "It's a Wonderful Life, Radio Play" at the Ridgefield Theater Barn. This small but quaint venue allows you to have an entire evening out without leaving the theater. While they do sell some treats in the lobby they encourage you to bring your own food and drinks, allowing for a lovely dinner with friends before the show even begins.
Having never seen a show at the Ridgefield Theater Barn nor a radio play I had wasn't sure what to expect but I was eager to see their adaptation of this Christmas classic. The radio play is a "live" radio broadcast where the theater audience is playing the role of the live studio audience. The entire show takes place with all the actors and actresses on the stage and stepping forward to the microphones when it's time for their part. Without the distractions of set changes and props, you're truly able to experience this beautiful Christmas story thanks to the remarkable actors and actresses painting the scene for your imagination.
One of the unique parts of a radio production are the incredibly realistic sound effects; drinks clinking, doors slamming and live spoken commercials for Lux Toilet Soap between acts. The whole cast did a beautiful and engaging job of telling the story of George Bailey, who grew up in Bedford Falls and had dreams of leaving his small town and traveling the world. After his father passes away he's forced to make the choice of staying home and taking over the family's savings and loan business to protect it from Mr. Potter. One Christmas Eve, after the accidental loss of $8,000 George finds himself standing on a bridge contemplating ending his life. Thanks to the help of his friends and family and an angel named Clarence, George Bailey learns all the different ways that we are tied to those around us and the lives we touch.
Performances will run through December 16, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, and Sunday December 16 at 2pm.
This Thursday, 12/13, there will be a special benefit performance of "It's A Wonderful Life" to support Ben's Lighthouse! The Ridgefield Theater Barn has graciously agreed to donate 50% of the proceeds to BLH. The Cabinet Authority, LLC will match their donation, so effectively your entire ticket purchase will support BLH!
To purchase tickets and view upcoming shows visit their website ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org