It's a wonderful show at the Majestic Theater
By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
WEST SPRINGFIELD The Majestic Theater will be transformed into a 1946 radio studio next month for its holiday show of "It's A Wonderful Life."
"I think one of the most interesting things about coming to watch this production will be the experience of sitting back and listening to 'It's A Wonderful Life,'" said director Cate Damon, during an interview with Reminder Publications. "We've all seen the movie so many times that, in some ways, we've stopped really hearing it. This gives people a chance to relive the absolute genius of the screenplay."
Damon noted that since the set is a 1946 radio studio, the audience will be able to watch the foley artist (played by Tom Knightlee) create all the sound effects for the production.
Dubbed by the American Film Institute as one of the best films ever made, "It's A Wonderful Life" begins on Christmas Eve in the small town of Bedford Falls and is the story of a common man, George Bailey, as told to his endearing guardian angel Clarence. In order to earn his wings, Clarence is given a mission to save George Bailey in his hour of need by showing him how the world would be without him.
Cast members also include Dick Volker, David Mason, Amy Rist, Connie Casagrande, Barbara McEwen and Van Farrier, all playing multiple roles.
Damon emphasized that the "play within a play" will feature live music so the audience will not only be listening to the show but they'll be watching what's happening between the actors portraying the characters.
Damon has been a professional actor and director for more than 20 years, and is a member of the professional actors' unions Actors' Equity and Screen Actors Guild. She has appeared at The Majestic as an actor in "Brimstone," "The Ride," and "The Guys," and will be appearing in the upcoming production of "Enchanted April." She has also directed and performed in productions at New Century Theatre in Northampton, and directs the musical at Northampton High School.
"I know that I love the story of 'It's A Wonderful Life' because it reaffirms for me that truly living your life full-out, with as much love, kindness, and generosity as you can muster, is much more important than making a ton of money and owning things," she said. "I think it reminds people that they are loved and the world would be a poorer place without them."
Damon noted that area residents should attend one of the performances for the fun of experiencing "It's A Wonderful Life" in a new way, for the excitement of seeing how an old time radio show was produced, and for the joy of getting that holiday spirit in a live, theatrical setting.
Joe Landry, the show's playwright, took the screenplay (which was in the public domain) and faithfully adapted it to be read for the stage, according to Damon.
"Almost all the dialogue is in there there's really nothing different from the movie," she added. "What is different is the concept that we're watching actors of the 1940's reading this material live for a radio audience. It's a lot of fun for the whole family and would be a great holiday show for all to enjoy."
Another feature of the show will be the period commercials heard that are "little jingles" the performers will sing just like they would have during a live radio broadcast in the 1940's.
"It's A Wonderful Life" will be staged Dec. 12-23. Tickets are $21 and $24. For show times and more information, call the box office at (413) 747-7797.
The Majestic Theater is located at 131 Elm St.
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