A new spin on a holiday classic is now playing at the Switch Theatre inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy, 10029 E. 126th St., Fishers.
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. you can attend “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play” directed by Lori Raffel. The cast is composed largely of Hamilton County actors, including Kevin Burke, who has previously been named Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year.
“This is only the second community theatre production at The Switch Theatre in Fishers,” Raffel told The Reporter. “The first was in September when I directed ‘The Diviners’ there. Last March, after helping direct several productions of ‘Annie’ at Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy, I was invited to select a Fall and a Holiday show for the theatre. We had open auditions for ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play’ in September and we have been rehearsing since early November.”
In addition to directing, Raffel is also handling sound design for the performance, including both digital sound effects and authentic Foley sound effects.
“The 90-minute show has just over 300 sound cues,” Raffel said. “It’s performed as if it were Christmas Eve 1945 in Manhattan, and all parts (around 30 characters) are read by nine actors (seven adults, two kids) from music stands on the stage.”
Raffel admitted she has never been a fan of the movie starring James Stewart, “but I saw this show done several years ago in Westfield and I have always wanted to direct it since then.”
According to Raffel, the cast is mostly from Westfield and Noblesville and most are acting for the first time at The Switch Theatre.
“It’s a lovely stage with nice equipment and Doug Whiseman and Ji-Eun Lee keep it busy,” Raffel said.
Tickets are $15 and you can make reservations and find more information online at theswitchtheatre.com.
Cast members
Kevin Burke Mr. Potter, Bert, Sam Wainwright
Kevin Burke (SAG) is a theatrical diarist who performs mostly in fringe shows across the USA. His one-person plays include Born to Goof, and Juicebox Heroes. This is the first time in 16 years Kevin has played a character NOT named “Kevin Burke.”
Christina Canaday Stage Manager, Ernie, Bank Examiner, Nick
Christina Canaday is excited for this unique opportunity in her 27th show. One of her favorite roles has been Cosette in Les Miserables. Enjoy!
Sara Castillo Dandurand Harry Bailey, Joseph, Violet Bick, Bridge Toll-Taker
Sara Castillo Dandurand is delighted to join the cast of this heartwarming holiday classic and hopes everyone enjoys seeing it brought to life. She would like to extend her gratitude to her husband, family and friends, and wishes everyone a happy and merry holiday season.
Sarah Hoback Pop Bailey, Rose Bailey, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson
Sarah is so excited to make her Switch Theater debut in It’s A Wonderful Life, The Radio Play. She’s performed on stages here locally as well as in Chicago and Los Angeles. Favorite roles include Sister James in Doubt, Sophie Scholl in The White Rose, and Marylin in A Behanding in Spokane. She’d like to thank Dane Rogers for his love and encouragement. You’re the best duet partner on stage and in life.
Gloria Merrell Dr. Campbell, Mr. Welch, Martini, Sheriff
Gloria is exhilarated to perform in this production. She’s never done a radio show before! Being 17, Gloria has done over 30 shows and plans to pursue theatre in college.
David Muller Freddie Filmore
David Muller has acted in shows including Work Which is Still Unknown at Carmel’s Palladium, Barefoot in the Park, and President A. Lincoln, which he created at IU. He’s grateful to be uplifted by Wonderful director Lori Raffel, fellow cast and crew.
Dan Scharbrough Clarence, Uncle Billy, Mr. Gower
Dan is very excited to join the talented company of It’s A Wonderful Life, The Radio Play. It’s one of his favorite stories. Dan thanks his wife, Jennifer, for all of her care, love and support. Merry Christmas!
Ethan Perkins Young George Bailey, Peter, Sound Effects
Ethan is a sixth-grade boy who is most interested in singing, music and acting. This is his first time acting and he hopes to make his appearance fulfilling as he just wants to entertain people.
Dane Rogers George Bailey
Dane is delighted to be performing alongside his beautiful love Sarah at the Switch! By day he’s a Simulation Technician for I.U. Health. Favorite roles: Tick, tick…BOOM! (Jon), Pippin (Leading Player), Last 5 Years (Jamie), All My Sons (George Dever), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Picasso), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit) and Oklahoma! (Curly).
Pooja Thakkar Eddy, Woman, Sound Effects
Pooja plays multiple roles, is extremely proud to be joining the cast of It’s A Wonderful Life, The Radio Play. She is a loving wife and mother of two beautiful girls. Pooja has a fun-loving personality and strongly believes that “It’s never too late to be who you might have been!” She pet, bottle-fed a six-week-old tiger cub and held an alligator on her hand where she got stung by bees in Miami. So don’t mess with her!
Bharya Thakkar Zu Zu Bailey, Sound Effects
Bhavya, a former National American Miss Indiana Princess, grew up believing in herself, a proud elder sister and will remain her parents forever firstborn. She made her way to success in her very first attempt in pageantry world and proudly represented the State of Indiana in sunny California last Thanksgiving. Bhavya has very strong leadership traits and though she is little she is fierce. She is a donut lover who believes everything is better with donuts!
Michelle Wafford Mannweiler Mary Bailey, Binky