Local Theater Group To Perform 'It's A Wonderful Life'

Press release from Encore Players of Livermore:

Dec. 7, 2020

Encore Players of Livermore invites you to travel virtually to Bedford Falls for “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” based on the holiday classic movie released in 1946. The angel Clarence is sent from Heaven to show George Bailey, a desperate man, what life would have been like if he hadn’t been born. The cast of 17 actors play multiple roles and do all the live sound effects.

"'It’s a Wonderful Life' is the perfect show for the holidays, especially this year,” said Director Martie Muldoon, a Livermore resident. "A radio play lends itself well to Zoom, though presents new challenges.” Muldoon said getting everyone’s voices, cameras, and sound effects working well together has been part of the challenge for a virtual platform.

“We decided to use live sounds because it’s more authentic, as well as more fun for the cast. We encourage the audience to watch for those live sound effects, as well as live music, as they listen to the story. I’m delighted to have such a large cast, made up of veteran performers along with first-timers. We’ve been having a wonderful time.”

Livermore actor Tim Ackerman plays the angel Clarence. “I am enjoying myself immensely. It feels good to ‘act’ again. And Clarence really lives up to his name – Oddbody. He is quirky but lovable.”

Maya Allwardt, a recent graduate of Foothill High School in Pleasanton, said “It’s been a challenge but also super exciting to write the music for the show while also voicing some of the characters. I’m having so much fun with this wonderful cast and I can’t wait for everyone to see the show!”
The cast also includes Donna Blevins, Lea Blevins, Lesleyann Coker, Bob Cowgill, Grare Davis, Judy Fenton, Yana Ghannam, Pat Goard, Marsha Howard, Bruce Kaplan, Victorian King-Bowman, Bill Leach, Joyce Rocha, Meredith Sarboraria, and Ray Spooner.

Performances are Tuesday, December 15, at 7 p.m., hosted by the Livermore Public Library, and Saturday, December 19, at 7 p.m., hosted by Encore Players. There is no admission fee. Donations are appreciated to cover script and royalty costs. For Zoom performance links, visit www.encoreplayers.net, or contact Encore Players at encoreplayersoflivermore@gmail.com

This press release was produced by the Encore Players of Livermore. The views expressed here are the author's own.