BMCA presents 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play'
Theater production adds vintage feel to holiday classic
Jessica Klarp
Guest contributor
The Valley Echo
December 2, 2021
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts will host several showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” through the month of December. Image courtesy of BMCA
Many are familiar with the story of George Bailey, and the angel sent to help him discover what life would be like if he’d never been born. A significant number of people have seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” frequently enough that they can quote lines from the movie, such as: “Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings!”
The holiday classic, made back in 1946, was directed by Frank Capra and starred Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is bringing the production to its theater audiences in multiple showings this month, when it debuts “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” written by Joe Landry and directed by Mike Yow. Performances will take place at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, Saturday, Dec. 11 and at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12. The production will return the following weekend at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17 and Saturday, Dec. 18, and for a final showing at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at blackmountainarts.org. The shows are presented by Fire in the Head productions and produced in partnership with BMCA.
Yow was in a production of this show at the BMCA Theater several years ago. Now he returns as director and says he thinks Black Mountain resembles a real life version of Bedford Falls, the town where the story is set. Because Yow is a popular actor who works all over the region he knows plenty of talented people.
“I've hand-assembled a cast of amazing professional performers,” he said. “Not to mention just great people in real life. And I'm happy to join them on-stage as well, reprising my role as Freddie Filmore, in addition to my directorial and producer duties.”
One of the show’s delights, beyond the charming story and period costumes, is watching the sound effects being created.
“Audiences will get a chance to see the actors perform sound effects as they were done in radio studios back in the 1930s - wind machines, train whistles, glass-breaking boxes, and much more,” said Yow, who is a fan of the era depicted. “Tickets to this show just might be an early holiday gift to those who want to relive the wonders, magic, and heart-warmingness of this timeless tale.”
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts requires proof of vaccination for indoor performances, and is not accepting negative COVID-19 tests for entry in lieu of vaccinations. Proof may be presented via a digital photo or physical copy of a vaccination card, and must be accompanied with a photo identification. Minors, ages 12-17, may show a vaccination card without photo ID. Proof of vaccination is not required for children ages 0-11.
BMCA is selling tickets at a reduced capacity, and will continue to require masks be worn by audience members. The performers are vaccinated and will be performing on stage unmasked.
For tickets or more information visit the BMCA website, or call 828-669-0930.