Guthrie, OK (November 2nd, 2021) – After a series of unfortunate setbacks forced Guthrie's Pollard Theatre to cancel the highly anticipated October production of Dracula; the organization is ready to provide some much-needed holiday magic with It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. In its exciting third year at the Pollard Theatre, Frank Capra's classic film will come to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast opening on November 26th.
This family-friendly play encourages patrons to participate as the live-studio audience experiencing the intricate and enthralling operations of a radio studio nestled in downtown Manhattan, New York, on a snowy Christmas Eve in 1946. An ensemble cast portrays radio personalities retelling the redemptive story of George Bailey one fateful night.
Artistic Director Jared Blount is hopeful the holiday production will help set things back on track for the theatre and audiences alike. "The pandemic aside, these last few months have proven to be difficult for everyone in our community, and especially our patrons.", says Blount. "The Pollard has a lot to accomplish by Season's end, but a lot to be thankful for. This production is a testament to the resolve and patience of our audience and organization. We're incredibly grateful to still be here to tell such a relevant and important story."
After a series of facilities breakdowns due to prolonged disuse and an electrical storm striking the building twice, a local audio-visual company offered temporary equipment to allow productions to return. "We cannot thank Cory's Audio Visual enough for their help; they have been a light in a dark moment, literally. But we still have considerable work to do. We must raise funds to repair and replace our equipment. Christmas at the Pollard is a special tradition for numerous Oklahomans, one that will return thanks to our friends.", says Executive Director Kara Luther-Chapman. "George Bailey's story reminds us that generosity and selflessness are the core values of citizenship, and a community is only as strong as its most vulnerable members. We encourage supporters to visit our website for upcoming fundraisers and how to get involved with preserving the Pollard."
Combining live foley sound effects, virtuosic, high-energy performances, and the occasional prop, actors bring the classic tale to life before the audience's eyes and ears under the direction of Jared Blount. Joshua McGowen will reprise his role as the idealistic George Bailey with returning cast members Kara Luther-Chapman, Kris Schinske Wolfe, James A. Hughes, and David Fletcher-Hall. In addition, patrons can expect new faces, with Wil Rogers and Jessa Schinske rounding out the cast. Costume design by Michael James and Michael Long serves as the production's technical director and stage manager.
Blount continues, "As long as we have our stage and audiences' desire for theatre, we'll be here. And much like George Bailey, we won't give up. This production will be a reminder to us all that 'no man is a failure who has friends.'"
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs for 15 performances from November 26th – December 23rd, 2021. Tickets start at $35 for adults, $31.50 for seniors, and $25 for children under 12. For the health and safety of audience members, masks are suggested to be worn. Tickets are on sale now at www.thepollard.org.
The celebrated Pollard Theatre was established in 1919 and was initially formed as a Resident Theatre Company in 1987; our sense of 'company' now extends to local artists, creators, and collaborators. The Pollard Theatre Company is recognized by patrons, critics, and artists as one of the leading theatrical producers in central Oklahoma. Nestled in the historic downtown district, the Pollard Theatre is located at 120 W. Harrison Ave. Guthrie, OK 73044. The Pollard Theatre Company produces with additional support from the Oklahoma Arts Council, Kirkpatrick Foundation, and The Shubert Foundation. In part, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is presented by WanderFolk Spirits. For more information on upcoming programming, please visit www.thepollard.org.