Mile Square Theatre Presents Virtual 'It's A Wonderful Life'

Press release from Mile Square Theatre:

Nov. 13, 2020

Mile Square Theatre, Hudson County, NJ’s premiere professional theatre, continues to produce virtual theatre with its final production of 2020, the holiday favorite It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio play.

It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio play brings the audience into a 1940’s radio studio to witness a live reading of the classic film’s screenplay. Joe Landry’s adaptation invites the audience to experience the story as ‘theatre of the mind,’ as we watch the versatile actors play multiple roles, enhanced by sound effects performed by a foley artist. This filmed performance will bring the experience up close to the MST audience and will certainly be a delightful addition to any home’s winter holiday watch list.

The production welcomes the return of John Keller (MST’s Dracula, Twelfth Night) who will reprise the role of George Bailey. Also in the cast are Blaire Brooks (MST’s Rikki Tikki Tavi), Danny Johnson (Netflix’s Daredevil), Nandita Shenoy (Washer/Dryer at Ma-Yi Theater), and Gabriel Hernandez (Bottle of Doom at Two River Theater). Kevin R. Free (MST’s Pipeline) directs with costumes by Natalie Loveland, sound by Matt Bittner (School of Rock on Broadway), and art direction by Jen Price Fick. The work will be shot and edited by Branding Shorts.

“This will be the 5th time MST has produced Joe Landry’s clever adaptation of the classic film, and of course, there’s a bit of a twist with this year’s production,” says MST’s Artistic Director Chris O’Connor. “With the theatre closed due to COVID, we’ve had to redefine and reimagine what we do. We are essentially turning the play into a movie, and MST’s space will function as a sound stage. We are adhering to strict health protocols, so the actors will be filmed one at a time, then the work will be composited in the editing room. The wonderful Kevin R. Free (MST’s Pipeline) will be directing, and our good friends at Branding Shorts will be shooting and editing the piece.”

Tickets on sale through December 27

Streaming begins November 26

Tickets are $25 and are available at: https://www.milesquaretheatre.org/shows-events/its-a-wonderful-life/. Once purchased, audience members will be emailed a link through which the stream may be accessed. Link is valid until used.

Mile Square Theatre is supported by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and is a member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

MST Season Sponsors: Advance Realty, Aecom/Tishman, Bijou Properties, Haven Savings Bank, Jet.com, Kearny Bank, The Rockefeller Group.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. Degise, County Executive, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
For more information on Mile Square Theatre, please visit www.milesquaretheatre.org.

This press release was produced by Mile Square Theatre. The views expressed here are the author's own.