by Cari Lynn Pace

Want to see what goes on behind the broadcast at a 1940’s radio station?

Audiences are urged to participate as station WBFR prepares to “go live.” Voice actors snuff out their cigarettes to take their places on cue. The “On Air” sign lights up as the Spreckels Theatre Company of Rohnert Park brings a classic story to the stage.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is a take-off from the (eventually) popular 1946 film starring James Stewart and Donna Reed.

In this production, actors switch places at microphones as multiple characters read their scripts. John Craven uses his rich announcer’s voice to give an authoritative narrative, quickly switching voices for minor players. Nic Moore voices George Bailey as the man struggling with the conflict of obligations versus unfulfilled dreams. Allison Lovelace channels Mary, his schoolmate and wife. Rosie Frater brings life to the voices of other gals and children, while Matt Farrell has multiple roles, including Clarence the Angel.

The actors are backed up with sound effects as Gabe Adelman plays with props to make the radio listener believe the actors. Janis Dunson Wilson sits at her piano, heightening the drama where appropriate. Her music also perks up the sponsor’s commercials.

Jenny Hollingworth directed this fast-moving peek backstage. These actors are versatile in voice, ready to pony up to the microphone as different characters. It’s up close and personal in the three-quarters round stage of the Condiotti Studio Theatre, making It’s a Wonderful Life wonderful fun.

Playing now through December 14 in the Condiotti Theatre at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park.

Click HERE for more information and tickets.

Photos by Jeff Thomas

Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers.