Theatre Review by IDA ZECCO

From the moment you enter the theater, you become a part of this sparkling production! As pre-show entertainment, actors greet members of the audience from the stage and lead popular holiday songs. You are requested to submit a written announcement that could be read aloud and  “broadcast over the live airwaves of WGAM Radio '' during the show.

The studio set by Michael McGarty, the costumes (from dapper bow ties to seamed silk stockings) by Jessie Darrell Jarbadan; the upright piano and the pre-show ambiance created by director Tony Estrella and his talented cast, explodes like a Norman Rockwell painting. It is a loving reminder of a simpler and more empathetic life gone by. This reviewer was hooked from the start!

Adapted by Joe Landry from the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Jo Swerling. The live radio play is a joyful twist on the classic film released in 1947, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. The production marks the theater’s fifth year retelling this redemptive story of resilience and community. It is as if from an actual radio station on Christmas Eve in 1946. This production has a limited run through December 24.

Gamm Artistic Director Tony Estrella expertly directs this production and performs the beloved role of George Bailey. Mr. Estrella renders a glorious George, the empathetic patriarch of Bedford Falls, NY, who smothers his own dreams to fulfill those of his beloved community. Estrella expertly displays a sad regret while avoiding bitterness and creating the warmhearted, Capra-esque George we have come to love.

Seven additional actors play multiple characters in this play. Seasoned actor, Fred Sullivan, Jr. charms the audience with his sweet Clarence, the angel who saves George. In addition he plays crotchety Henry F. Potter (it was as if Sullivan had channeled Lionel Barrymore himself to the stage), a despicable character, indeed! Lynsey Ford captures a beautiful and caring Mary Hatch as well as Rose Bailey, George’s mother. Helena Tarfuri expertly enacts the flirtatious Violet Brick; with just enough vocal inflection she creates both comical innuendo and double entendre. Jim O’Brien is a convincing, befuddled Billy Bailey as well as Joseph, Clarence's mentor. 

Due to the multiple roles played by each actor, radio plays can be tricky. The success lies in the talent of diverse voice characterization which is the wizardry of a radio play. Andrew Iacovelli as Harry Bailey, Ernie Bishop, Nick the bartender, and others is a master at voice contrasts.  Each one of his roles is explicit, clear and well-acted. 

Will Malloy is delightful to watch and hear as a master Folley Artist. In pre-show performance Will provides lightning speed sound effects to “The Twelve Days of Christmas” which, alone,  is worth the price of the ticket. Milley Massey, is Music Director and portrays a wonderfully effective Announcer as well as George’s youngest daughter, Zuzu. Ms. Massey performs the music underscoring throughout the play on studio’s upright piano that is delightful, and adds a sprinkling of customized radio jingles.

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs only two weeks, now through December 24, at The Gamm Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, R.I. Weekday $60, weekend $70, child/student $20; special pricing for "A Winter's Delight" benefit on Thursday, Dec. 14. 

Do not wait! This captivating, life-affirming story is a holiday treat for the entire family! It is destined to be a sell-out run.

Discounts for groups of 10 or more available at
gammtheatre.org/discounts. Call 401-723-4266 or visit gammtheatre.org/wonderful.