There’s much to love about Joe Landry’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play.” Cygnet Theatre’s current holiday fare, it continues through Dec. 24 and may be just the ticket for families longing for something suitable, different and uplifting. The script is an adaptation of a Lux Radio Theatre broadcast that took place in 1946, subsequent to the film, which starred Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
It tells the story of George Bailey, who despite ambitions for college and travel is saddled by the family business, a small town savings and loan, after the death of his father. George is despondent when the firm’s $8,000 deposit is carelessly lost and plans to end his wasted life when an angel shows him how it would have been without his ever having lived.
Veteran of numerous national tours, Tom Andrew makes his Cygnet debut in the role of George. At times he resonates with one’s indelible memory of Stewart’s voice and facial expressions, but mostly the role is his, and endearing at that. Amy Biedel, who recently portrayed Eliza in Cygnet’s “My Fair Lady,” plays George’s wife, Mary. Melissa Fernandes portrays Violet, a woman of easy virtue, and David Gallagher plays the Angel and other parts. Others in the company are Trevor Hollingsworth, Mark Larson and Veronica Murphy.
With a vast array of gizmos and gadgets, the charming Foley artist Scott Paulson, known as artistic director of the Teeny-Tiny Pit Orchestra and the annual toy piano festival at UCSD, provides all the sounds needed. He joins pianist/music director Amy Dalton for the concluding carol, playing his principal instrument, the oboe, which he does with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra.
Cygnet artistic director Sean Murray stages the show, which includes period commercials sung in close harmony. With costumes by Jeanne Reith, lighting by Eric Lotze and sound design by George Ye, this production adds up to feel-good seasonal entertainment of the highest quality.
Performances continue through Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, at 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. For tickets and information, visit www.cygnettheatre.com or call (619) 337-1525.