Through Dec. 30: Cygnet Theatre (6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego) presents its second annual production of Joe Landry’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play.”
The stage work with music is an adaptation of the 1946 Frank Capra film classic, which starred Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a small-town guy with a huge wanderlust and a big heart.
Playing the role for the second year, Tom Andrews seems in some moments to channel Stewart, but he has great depth of feeling and appeal of his own. Each portrayal has deepened, in fact.
The exceptionally droll Scott Paulson, Foley artist, leader of the Teeny Tiny Pit Orchestra and producer of UCSD’s annual Toy Piano Festival, returns to provide sound effects. Jonathan Dunn-Rankin, a former San Diego radio broadcaster and longtime theatrical presence, plays the broadcast announcer and numerous additional roles, and the charming David Gallagher portrays Bailey’s guardian angel. Trevor Hollingsworth and Shane Simmons round out the male contingent. Melissa Fernandez and Veronica Murphy return as the town’s distaff, and Brenda Dodge joins Cygnet’s cohesive ensemble (directed by Sean Murray) as George’s wife.
The audience response Nov. 29 was vociferous. This warm and pleasing show is bound to become a favorite Christmas tradition, folks. For tickets and information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com or call (619) 337-1525.
Through Dec. 30: The Old Globe (1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park) presents an updated “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” with three new songs, a new Grinch (Broadway veteran, musically perfect Kevin Bailey) and an outstanding Old Max (Broadway veteran Martin Van Treuren). The tenth anniversary production also welcomes the return of many who created roles in the original Globe production, including Melinda Gilb, who was the original Mama Who, and veteran Papa Who Steve Gunderson. Van Treuren and James Royce Edwards (Young Max) sing one of the new songs, “This Time of Year,” and the other two new numbers are ensemble pieces: a carol from the animated film titled “Fah Who Doraze,” and the amusing “It’s the Thought That Counts.”
The Grinch has a new costume and new, green facial makeup, but the best part is Bailey’s well-employed singing voice, with which he manages everything from bass-baritone growls to a simpatico pianissimo in his duet with opening night’s adorable Cindy-Lou Who, fourth-grader Gaby Greenwald, who doesn’t miss a beat. Surely, this is San Diego’s (and now New York’s) established tradition.
Tickets are available on-line at www.theoldglobe.com or by calling (619) 23-GLOBE.
