“It’s a Wonderful Life” Comes Alive on Radio

In Carrollwood, Florida, a classic film is receiving a nostalgic twist as actors at the Carrollwood Cultural Center prepare to adapt “It’s a Wonderful Life” into a live radio play.

The production aims to bring the beloved 1946 film to audiences in a unique format. According to Jamie Giangrande-Holcom, the Director of the Carrollwood Cultural Center, the goal is for audiences to find a new appreciation for the story. “I hope everyone gets another way to love the story,” Giangrande-Holcom remarked.

In this adaptation, nine actors will perform the various roles, with some also taking on the task of creating sound effects using everyday objects. This dynamic approach seeks to recreate the feel of an old-time radio broadcast, where a handful of performers voice multiple characters.

Paul Berg, Executive Director of the Cultural Center, noted that one of the primary challenges in this format is for each actor to differentiate their characters’ voices distinctly enough so that listeners are unaware that one person voices multiple characters. “Making them sound different enough that if you were to close your eyes, you wouldn’t know it’s the same person,” Berg explained.

Without the ability to rely on visual cues or set changes, actors must rely heavily on vocal delivery and timing to engage the audience. This task involves precise coordination, as highlighted by Giangrande-Holcom, who compared the complexity of directing the audio play to “baking a cake,” with many steps and layers involved.

For many cast members, “It’s a Wonderful Life” holds special significance. They hope to provide a unique experience for the audience, akin to being part of a live studio audience from an earlier era. “It’s pretty cool to just be able to sit back and disconnect from everything,” Berg said, emphasizing the creativity and imagination involved in the process.

The radio play is set for three showings on the weekend of December 14, promising an original and engaging presentation of a timeless classic.

The Carrollwood Cultural Center’s rendition of “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a live radio play promises to transport audiences back in time, offering a fresh way to appreciate a beloved story. Through a combination of vocal talent and inventive sound design, this adaptation aims to capture the imagination and stir the emotions of its listeners.

Source: Fox13news