Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) will present “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” online in partnership with Broadway on Demand throughout Friday-Sunday, Dec. 18-20.
The production is based on the classic holiday movie with a clever twist: The story is staged as if the audience is watching a cast and crew present a live radio broadcast. Six actors from previous summer seasons of HSRT are portraying numerous characters, and the sound effects are by Foley artists.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” has been pre-recorded, and will be available for streaming nationwide and internationally through Broadway on Demand. Tickets will provide access to view the 100-minute production any time — and as many times as wished — between Dec. 18 at 12:01 a.m. EST and when streaming access ends on Dec. 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Tickets are $15, and are available online through Broadway on Demand. The link and additional information are on HSRT’s website, hope.edu/hsrt.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” centers on the generous and well-meaning George Bailey, who has become so downcast by events that he decides on Christmas Eve that it would be better if he’d never been born. A lovable angel shows him what would have happened to his friends, family and hometown without him, leading George to a change of heart and to understand the true spirit of the holiday.
The innovative adaptation being presented by HSRT is directed by Rich Perez of the Hope theatre faculty, and features HSRT favorite Chip Duford, Brandon Wright, Allysa Van Gorder, P.J. Maske, John Bergeron and Artistic Director Lenny Banovez.
Established at Hope College in 1972, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre is West Michigan’s premiere professional theatre company. HSRT produces plays and educational programs of the highest professional standards that address the needs of, and enhance the quality of life for, Hope College and the community.
HSRT didn’t present a 2020 summer season because of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, but is anticipating staging productions during the summer of 2021, contingent on developments in the pandemic. Information about the forthcoming summer will be announced in the spring.