OCT’s ‘Wonderful Life’ dials up the retro holiday charm

Don’t touch that dial! This holiday season, the Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) brings us the 1946 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a mock radio play. The script borrows from the film version starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, the all-American sweetheart Donna Reed as his wife Mary and Lionel Barrymore as the greedy, curmudgeonly financier Henry Potter.

For the few among us who have never seen the film, the story follows Bailey, a clever, persistent optimist born in early 20th century Bedford Falls. He wants nothing more than to leave the small town, but he squelches his ambitions and yen for global adventure to rescue his family’s savings and loan business. When his spirit is ultimately crushed, an angel comes to the rescue to show him a world without him in it. (Note: references to suicide are part of the story; discretion is advised.)

OCT’s live retelling is presented as a radio program set at a snowbound 1940s station, replete with capacitor microphones. An “On-Air” sign and amusingly performed commercial jingles add to the production’s charms.

A Foley artist (someone who recreates sounds), Laura Bradley, deftly manipulates, shakes and smacks all manner of objects to make sound effects–from a mini makeshift door to shoes worn on the hands for footstep sounds to glass, metal trays and other random items. Some might want to watch the show twice–once to absorb the story and another time to catch all the cool techniques used to make the radio play sound effects.

Onstage, a cast portrays … well, a cast, so there’s a layer added to the performances as the actors shift in and out of character as characters in the story and performers of a radio show; a stellar example of “meta” pre-Mark Zuckerberg.

James Ray Taylor III, as lead performer Jake Laurents, returns after a suave turn in OCT’s “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” to convey the gee-willikers voice and cheerful mojo of George Bailey and young George.

The lovely Megan Wager, as Sally Applewhite, plays Mary Hatch and young Mary. Alex Dagg as Freddie Filmore is a human chameleon and man of many voices as Joseph, Potter, Uncle Billy and 12 others. Patrick Stanley, as Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood, nimbly juggles the voice roles of Clarence Oddbody, Harry, young Harry, Sam Wainwright and nine others. Joy Newkirk, as Lana Sherwood, spans generations as Violet, young Violet, Rose Bailey and Zuzu.

Director Trudy Bruner has spent 35 years working in theater in central Florida and elsewhere. Her leadership skills come to fore through her ability to showcase the wide-ranging talents of the show’s ensemble cast.

Scenic designer William Elliott blesses the production with an elegant set. Costume designer Eryn Brooks Brewer dresses up their characters in authentically stylish ’40s garb.

Expect production polish from lighting designer Erin Miner; sound, music and Foley props designer Jazmine Whipple; and stage manager Madison Raabe.

Dialect coach Lori Engler brings us back in time with the “Why I oughta” slang of the time period.

Going back to the origins of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” we sadly discover a troubled and complicated backstory.

Philip Van Doren Stern penned the original story, “The Greatest Gift,” in November 1939. The tale was rejected by several publishers but, in April 1944, RKO Pictures bought the rights to the story for $10,000, It experienced a series of rewrites and was shelved for a number of years until it resurfaced with the hopes of turning it into a vehicle for Cary Grant. After a conflict-ridden production, the film disappointed at the box office and languished in syndication for three decades.

But like the underestimated George Bailey, “It’s a Wonderful Life” can’t be kept down. The sweet holiday tale, regardless of its implausibility and unabashed sentimentality, endears with relatable humor, romance and heart-tugging melodrama.

When viewed as an American fable, the once-deemed-lackluster tale takes on a shinier patina in our time and resonates even more strongly, especially as we contend with today’s exponential cost of living, low wages and a housing shortage… but who will be our George Bailey?

“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 19. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. 

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Order tickets over the phone at (352) 236-2274 or in person at the box office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com.