(Santa Ana, CA) - On Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., the Santa Ana College (SAC) Theatre Department, in conjunction with the Music and Dance Departments, will present the classic Christmas story “It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” written by Joe Landry. This joyous dance, music, and theater celebration of the holiday season is a performance for the entire family.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is based on the classic story and characters from the 1946 film with a clever twist thrown in - it is set in the 1940s as a live radio production. In an ensemble performance that brings multiple characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. It takes the help of a friendly angel to show George what life would be like if he hadn’t been born, and to come to understand the true meaning of the holidays.
Directed by Chris Cannon, the Chair of the SAC Department of Theatre Arts, the event will also include Christmas carols performed before the show by a choir from the SAC Music Department and swing dance performances by the SAC Dance Department during the show. Patrons of the performance are encouraged to come dressed in 1940s’ style and expect to be involved in parts of the radio show itself.
“This play is about the value of each individual human life,” says director Cannon. “The idea that every person has something to offer... every person is valuable to the world and the human experience. The absence of any one person could have repercussions that we may not be able to fathom. Life has purpose for everyone. It was the theme of Frank Capra’s classic film and it remains the theme in the stage versions of that film. It’s a message that we need now just as much as then.”
SAC theatre student Andrew Broome performs the central role of George Bailey. Broome explains his character, “George Bailey is a giving, kind-hearted everyman, and we can all relate to his struggles and root for him the whole time. I personally relate to this character I get to play, and that makes it all the more fun. I love the moral of the story and I am drawn to the acting challenge that it presents.” Broome also gives a view as to his approach to the role, “I want the audience to see and empathize with George Bailey in all of his love, anger, and confusion. But in this version, we don't get to slowly build the drama and backstory. We jump right into it. My acting challenge is to make each moment memorable and play off my wonderful co-actors and actresses.”
Tickets to “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” are only $9.99 for students, staff, seniors, and other general admission patrons. Tickets for children 5-14 years can be purchased for $5.00 and are available online at www.sac.edu/Theatre/Events, and can be held at the Phillips Hall Theatre Box Office “Will Call” or can be printed at home.
Where:
Phillips Hall, Santa Ana College.
1530 W. 17 St., Santa Ana, CA 92706
When:
Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sac.edu to learn more.
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