‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ radio theater style in Elgin
Remember the good old days of radio when people had to use their imaginations and the mind was a stage? No? Too young? Well you can see what your parents and grandparents are reminiscing about when
Elgin Theater Company’s radio theater presents its version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The production is sure to transport audiences to the golden age of radio at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.
“Unlike other shows, this production is for the whole family,” said Director Linda Collins. “It’s a lesson for the children as well as a Christmas story.”
The play is presented as a 1940s radio broadcast. The action takes place on Christmas Eve. The story is about an idealistic George Bailey, whose Uncle Billy accidentally misplaces company funds. George faces financial ruin and almost certain imprisonment.
Seeing no way out, he runs to the bridge over the river, prepared to plunge to his death. George is given a chance to see how life in his town would have been had he never been born.
“Since the play has about 65 different voices, it was hard finding actors with a vocal talent to play all voices of men, women and children,” Collins said.
This will be the second time the Elgin Theatre Company will put on this play.
Collins said that the play was a big hit last year with about 100 attendees per show, so they decided to run the show again.
The set is designed as a realistic 1940s broadcasting studio with Christmas decorations. “This play shows how important voices are before televisions came to place,” Collins said.
Nicole Chelios-Savage of Schaumburg plays the leading role of Mary Hatch Bailey. Mary helps her husband, George Bailey, through the tough economic times.
“My character meets her husband at a high school graduation dance and tries to get him to fall in love with her,” Chelios-Savage said.
This is Chelios-Savage’s second production with the Elgin Theatre Company. She acts mainly as a hobby and to lend support for her husband, Scott Savage, who performs is many roles in the theater.
Chelios-Savage says she and the Mary Bailey are similar. “I support my husband and so does my character.”
For more information, visit elgin-theatre.org. Admission is $15, $12 for seniors and youth. Performances will be held at the Kimball Street Theatre in the H. Ryder Center of Elgin Academy, at Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue in Elgin.
Cast of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Algonquin: Hallie Aylesworth
Batavia: Annie Hanlin
Crystal Lake: Daniel Patfield
Elgin: Gareth Sitz, Paul Sitz
Hampshire: Beth McDonald
Hoffman Estates: Greg Goetz
Huntley: Pat Molohon
Schaumburg: Nicole Chelios-Savage, Jamey McDunn, Scott Savage
West Dundee: Ed Dennis
Wheaton: Janette Quinn
If you go
What: Elgin Theatre Company production of Its a Wonderful Life
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 18-19 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20
Where: Kimball Street Theatre at 261 Dundee Ave., Elgin in the H. Ryder Center of Elgin Academy
Tickets: $15, $12 for seniors and students
Details: Call (847) 741-0532 or visit elgin-theatre.org