In Focus: It’s A Wonderful Life In Walker

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ hit the big screen in 1946 and has since been adapted to many forms. Walker Bay Theater is performing the holiday classic in a form true to the time period – as a Lux radio performance.

The story starts off with the premise that George Bailey is on the brink of suicide and Clarence the angel needs to intervene. By showing George what life would be like if he was never born, he has a powerful realization .

The seven cast members lend their voices to the many people George connects with.

The actors have to make sure their character changes, emotions and tones are noticeable purely through speech, unlike visual performances.

Making the show sound like it is still being acted out are simple sound affects like a door slamming, which have to be perfectly timed out.

For Kathi Diehl, it’s been a lot of fun to be a part of the radio production.

The Walker Bay Theater has previously put on similar productions since the audience seems to enjoy them so much.

The company will have performances on December 3rd, 4th and 5th. More information can be found at www.minnesotafolkloretheater.org.