There’s an enduring fascination for going behind the scenes to see how artistic magic actually happens.
The latest production at Swift Creek Mill Theatre capitalizes on that curiosity by essentially giving the audience two shows: a straight-up stage adaptation of the perennial film classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as well as a fascinating live demonstration of how the show’s sound effects are created.
It may be heresy to say it but the result may be better than the movie alone. While the movie’s plot sinks into maudlin melodrama, this stage version lightens the mood with comic commercial interruptions and a homey interactivity with the audience.
It helps that director Tom Width has assembled a multi-talented cast that manages several feats of impressive vocal gymnastics.
The setting for the show is radio station WBFR, complete with “Applause” and “On the Air” signs, where five actors gather on Christmas Eve in 1946 to present an audio version of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Each actor has a 40s-era character that they’re playing but that persona never matters as much as the multiple roles they play in the radio drama.
Assisting them is the Stage Manager (Paul Deiss), a persistent persnickety presence, keeping the actors in line and handling most of the often amusing sound effects. Seeing Deiss wielding two toilet plungers with extra-long handles to simulate people thrashing around in water is one of the many delights of the show.
For those who need a refresher, the movie plot involves would-be adventurer George Bailey (voiced by Michael Blackwood), who dreams of leaving his podunk hometown of Bedford Falls where evil capitalist Mr. Potter (Jeff Meisner) reigns as petty tyrant. But when his father (Brent Deekens) dies unexpectedly, George must assume his job managing the local building and loan, the only business free from Potter’s grasp.
George hopes to escape his provincial life but his uncle (also Deekens) is too scattered to take over and his brother (also Deekens) leaves town chasing the dreams George once had. He ultimately falls for Mary Hatch (Madison Cox), settling down and having a slew of kids. But when his uncle misplaces $8,000, opening up the business to possible criminal liability, George’s dispair leads him to consider suicide.
All the while, guardian angel Clarence (Deekens yet again) has been watching over George and must now intervene to show him how his community would have suffered without him.
As is obvious from that recap, Deekens has to create a broad array of distinct characters and does so with aplomb. Virtuosic scenes where he converses with himself prompted mid-show applause at the performance I attended. His top-notch vocal work is complemented by a flexible physicality that reinforces each characterization.
Meisner effectively embodies multiple personalities as well while also serving as the principal announcer of the broadcast. Tara Callahan Carroll rounds out the cast doing a fine job filling in a variety of female roles.
As the action unfolds, the sturdiness of the original material shines through. Cox makes the most of Mary’s more sassy lines while also exuding smalltown wholesomeness. And Blackwood shows real star power in capturing George’s competing natures; the tears he shed at the finale engendered empathetic sniffs amongst my fellow audience members.
Even as the story’s tensions grow, the mechanics of replicating the sound of a winter storm or the pop of a cork provide a delightful counterpoint, as do commercial breaks for products like toilet cakes (yes, that’s actually a thing).
More comic business might have come from developing more distinct personas for the radio actors separate from their “Wonderful Life” roles – only Carroll seems to be playing at something like a backstage diva. But that’s a very small quibble about a show perfectly effective as is.
If your holiday season usually involves a viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the Mill is offering a very entertaining, expertly augmented version well worth leaving your easy chair to take in.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” runs at Swift Creek Mill Theatre,17401 Route 1 in South Chesterfield, through Dec. 27. Tickets and information available at https://www.swiftcreekmill.com/.
