Country Gate Players Presents

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Country Gate Players announce participation opportunities for its upcoming holiday production:  It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.  Those interested in auditioning for the production or participating in an off-stage capacity are asked to submit the form found here:

  The show will be staged December 9-17 at the Country Gate Playhouse, 114 Greenwich Street, Belvidere, New Jersey.

The play, adapted by Joe Landry from the classic Frank Capra film, turns back the clock to the 1940s and sets the dial for a double-dose of holiday nostalgia. This version of It’s a Wonderful Life harkens back to the golden age of radio, and is performed as a live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. A hearty ensemble of actors and one very clever sound technician tell the story of George Bailey, his fateful bout of desperation and his ultimate redemption over the course of one extraordinary Christmas Eve. The show is sure be a holiday treat you will want to share with the entire family.

 It’s a Wonderful Life – Character Summary

 General information – all cast members will be performing their roles and assisting with sound effects (Foley) during the show.  This is what makes this production so unique. 

Everyone accepting a role in the show will be expected to comply with the rehearsal and set workday schedules, which will be developed at the first cast meeting.  Cast members will also provide appropriate costumes for the production.

The casting of the show is flexible, as each actor may potentially portray several different characters. The following is a preliminary breakdown.

Men (8)

George Bailey – Family man, dreamer, full of hope and life.

Clarence – An angel looking to do the “right thing” in order to get his wings!

Joseph–The “chief angel” who prepares Clarence for his wing-obtaining assignment.

Potter – Scrooge type who insists on total control of everything in Bedford Falls. He has no heart towards anything or anyone else!

The other four male actors will play a variety of roles including:  George’s father, brother, and uncle; as well as,  a police officer, a taxi driver, and a bridge keeper.  Also…many townsfolk, friends, etc. (The performers in these roles will have a real chance to shine!)

Women (5)

Other than the actor cast as “Mary”, all women will portray additional characters in the radio play.

Mary – The home-town girl who has always been in love with George.

Violet (and others) – The town flirt..somewhat narcissistic. George has leant her money.

Rose (and others) – George’s mother, confident, family counselor.

Sadie Vance (and others)- The state bank examiner posing lots of difficulties for the Baileys and their beloved Building and Loan.

Announcer (and others): Hosts the radio show. Central to the commercials.

There is also the possibility that we may  cast two to four teenaged actors in the show.

Foley Artist (1 or 2)

Onstage characters implementing sound effects.  Should be agile a adept at physical humor.

Teens (2-4)

Two teens (perhaps split male and female) playing the younger roles.   

The production is under the direction of Bill Scurato, of Harmony Township.  Further information will be posted at countrygate.org