RSS 2.0 FeedDecember 23, 2009, Featured Articles, Theatre
Christmas is "On the Air" at AHT
Christmas lights and garland decorate the American Heartland Theatre lobby, leaving no doubt of the impending Holidays despite the warm November evening.
Christmas lights and garland decorate the American Heartland Theatre lobby, leaving no doubt of the impending Holidays despite the warm November evening. Regardless of the temperature, and with cocktails in hand, expectant patrons sported quilted Christmas-themed purses, rhinestone-adorned red sweaters and tweed jackets as they made their way to the parking garage stamper beside the Christmas tree. As guests entered the theatre, they were greeted by cast members in character who invited them "into the studio" and busied themselves in readying the radio station for the evening's "broadcast" of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.
With its cast of entirely local actors, Frank Capra's classic tale about George Bailey was uniquely delivered through a 1946 live radio broadcast of the familiar It's a Wonderful Life - a performance within a performance. Audience members were transported through time to a small town Kansas radio station getting ready for the big Christmas Eve show. On Air/Applause signs dotted either side of the stage to which patrons excitedly responded when prompted to clap. Sarah Oliver's costume design sold the period with saddle shoes, smart hats and lots of sass.
Seasonal musical pieces performed by the company filled the theatre with warm and festive Holiday cheer. The radio performance itself was so believable that one felt a member of a radio audience, only remembering occasionally that this was a performance.
Ken Remmert's delightful and expert radio sound effects and period-appropriate props, such as a functioning box and wire glass-smasher (George and Mary throwing rocks at the old house they will eventually buy ) completed the package and entreated laughs throughout. Tim Scott (Jake Laurents the radio voice as George Bailey the character) and Natalie Weaver (Lana Sherwood) stood out from a large and extraordinarily talented cast.
The classic theme of Clarence the second-class angel trying for his wings saving suicidal George's soul comes to life in this completely fresh and fun story-within-a-story performance. American Heartland's It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is the perfect Holiday treat for children of all ages.
REVIEW
American Heartland Theatre
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Runs November 5 - December 27, 2009 (Reviewed: November 11, 2009)
Crown Center
2450 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City MO
For tickets call 816-842-9999 or online www.ahtkc.com
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KC Events this week and beyond
Looking for something to do this weekend? Click here for the KC Events calendar of theatre, classical music, dance and jazz events through 2011. Highlights of this week's classical music and dance offerings are in Don Dagenais' "City Classics." For current Theatre listings visit Victor Wishna's "City Stage." Enjoy!
KC Events this week and beyond
As the year winds down most arts organizations are taking a well-deserved break to gear up for the next half of the season. The Kansas City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker continues until December 27. Some seasonal theatre is running through the holidays: "Miss Witherspoon," "Christmas Story. The Musical!," “Christmas in Song” and “It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” New Theatre Restaurant’s “Run For Your Wife” continues through early February. Lots more up on the KC Events calendar all through the performing arts season… Merry Holidays!
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