Lyceum Theatre closes 2009 season with a holiday classic Nov. 14-22

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre will present "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," Nov. 14-22, the final play of the 2009 season.

Author Joe Landry has inventively adapted Frank Capra's classic film to the stage, re-inventing it as a live 1940's radio broadcast, according to a Lyceum news release.

Set in fictional radio station WBFR in New York City on Christmas Eve, five savvy "studio" actors employ their vocal talents and live radio sound effects to bring the familiar residents and environs of Bedford Falls to life.

Patrons will feel like the clock has been turned back to 1946 as they become an active part of this nifty spin on a perennial holiday favorite which hearkens back to the golden age of radio, Lyceum officials said.

The play is perfect for the whole family, a fresh and inventive way to rediscover the much-loved celluloid tale of George Bailey's journey of rediscovered self-worth.

Making his Lyceum Theatre debut is Jacob H. Knoll playing the part of George Bailey. Knoll graduated with a MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster University.

His many stage credits include Ivanov in "Ivanov" at the Miscreant Theatre in NYC, and Hamlet in "Hamlet" at the Gorilla Rep, NYC. Knoll recently appeared on "Flight of the Conchords" (HBO) and "The Electric Company" (PBS).

Playing the role of Mary Hatch is New York actress Liz Ali. She made her Lyceum debut earlier in the 2009 season in the musicals "Hairspray," "Annie" and "Hello, Dolly!" Ali's other credits include Sally Bowles in "Cabaret," Shelby in "Spitfire Grill" and Sally in "Me and My Girl."

Portraying the remainder of the female cast is Anne Marie Bills, last seen on the Lyceum stage in "Hairspray," "Annie" and "Hello, Dolly!"

Returning for his second season at the Lyceum Theatre, Ames Adamson will assume the voices of many characters including Mr. Gower, the druggist, and that infamous "scurvy spider" Mr. Potter.

Ames debuted on the Lyceum stage as Charlie in "On Golden Pond" and Mr. Paravicini in "The Mousetrap."

Lyceum Artistic Director Quin Gresham plays a variety of characters, including Sam Wainwright and Clarence Oddbody, the angel sent to help George Bailey.

Directing "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" will be Peter Bennett, whose Lyceum credits include "Foxfire," "The Glass Menagerie," "Kiss Me, Kate" and "On Golden Pond." His New York directing credits include the original production of "Passion of Dracula," which ran for two years and won the Soho News Annual Arts Award for Best Direction.

The production team for "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" includes Randy B. Winder, scenic and light designer; Garth Dunbar, costume designer; and Emilee Buchheit, production stage manager.

Original music and musical arrangements by Kevin Connors.

Five matinee performances at 2 p.m.: Nov. 15, 18, 19, 21 and 22. Four evening performances at 8 p.m. on Nov. 14, 18, 20 and 21.

For tickets visit the website at www.lyceumtheatre.org or call 660-837-3311.