It’s A Wonderful Life radio play to the stage

Seneca Community Players will once again entertain visitors to Seneca Falls with their version of It’s A Wonderful Life with a one hour radio play, Merry Christmas, George Bailey!. Ever since 1936, when Lux Radio Theatre moved from NY to the west coast to adapt motion pictures into one-hour radio shows, every broadcast began with those compelling words: Lux presents Hollywood! and the Lux theme music.Initially, the series adapted Broadway plays for the radio, but after just two years moved to Hollywood to perform these hour-long radio programs live before studio audiences. It became the most popular dramatic anthology series on radio, broadcast for more than 20 years and continued on television as the Lux Video Theatre through most of the 1950s.The host was the show’s fictional producer and through the years changed from John Anthony, to Cecil B. DeMille, and later William Keighly. Another fictional character was that of Peggy Winthrop and later Libby Collins, who as a “Hollywood reporter”, made the commercials for Lux Toilet Soap. Lux Radio Theater strove to feature as many of the original stars of the original stage and film productions as possible, usually paying them $5,000 an appearance. The first Lux film adaptation in 1936, when sponsor, Lever Brothers, the makers of Lux soap and detergent, moved to Hollywood, was The Legionnaire and the Lady, with Marlene Dietrich and Clark Gable, based on the film Morocco, That was followed by a Lux adaptation of The Thin Man, featuring the movie’s stars, Myrna Loy and William Powell.Seneca Community Players has adapted the original Lux Radio Theatre version of It’s A Wonderful Life including the commercials as they were broadcast on March 10, 1947, as well as including some scenes and characters which were left out to keep the show to 60 minutes. Complete with live sound effects, live piano and organ, and the It’s A Wonderful Life story, theatre patrons are encouraged to occasionally close their eyes and experience the fun, excitement and drama of Lux Radio Theatre as experienced by their parents and grandparents.The show can be seen at the “Bedford Falls Bijou Theatre” 115 Fall Street, Lower Level.Show dates & ticket prices: Thursday Dec. 6 @ 7pm, – $6 Saturday Dec. 8 @ 6pm – $8, Sunday Dec. 9 @ 1pm – $6.THE PLAYERSMarcia Burdick as Stella McNamara, the Stage ManagerSeth Kennedy as Mr Potter, William Keighley & Mr GowerStephen Beals as Clarence & John Milton KennedyCarl Webster as Uncle Billy, Pop Bailey & Sam WainrightAlex Sinicropi as Bert the Cop, Joseph, Nick the Bar Owner & Mr MartiniMike Solan as Ernie the Cab Driver, Harry & BridgekeeperChristina Pisanello as Mary Hatch BaileyGreg McPherson as George BaileyCarrie Massey as Mrs. Hatch & TillyStephanie Knarr as Mrs. Bailey & Libby CollinsJenny Gibson Hatch as Violet Bic, Susan Blanchard & Janieand introducing:Madison Tyler – ZuzuZachery Hilton – PeterAnnie Bachman – Piano/OrganGregory Wilkins & Marilla Lipker – Sound EffectsPam Bryan – Technical DirectorBecky Bly – DirectorRefreshments of Hot Drinks and Donuts will be available prior to the start of the show. There will be no intermission.