***** When I heard that the Milwaukee Rep is staging It’s a Wonderful Life as a live radio play, I knew exactly who I’d ask to join me. My dad was thrilled to accept the invitation. While not old enough to have huddled around a radio listening to live plays himself (something he clarified to the friendly folks who shared our table Sunday night), he loved the idea of this unique take on the Christmas classic. He’s a talented and accomplished musician (I once overheard a woman approach him after a big band gig and gush that he sounded “just like Gene Krupa”). He’s also one of the most creative minds I know. Of course he’d love to see this show at the Rep’s Stackner Cabaret!
The Rep describes the Stackner as a space that “combines a friendly Midwestern dinner party vibe with impeccable entertainment.” I quote because I can’t say it any better myself. A cabaret theater is communal and cozy, and the Stackner is both of those things – a perfect setting for a Christmas production.
My dad and I arrived with plenty of time to grab a couple cocktails and settle in. The house was soon buzzing with energy and excitement. The stage is set as a small studio sound stage in art deco decor with a few tasteful Christmas decorations. As is typical of many productions at this venue, the cast weaved their way through the audience prior to the start of the show. This time, they encouraged folks to submit audiograms, personal shoutouts they promised to share later in the show. (A quick side note for my fellow introverts: nothing to fear here. No one is going to pull you on stage or force you to submit an audiogram.) They played a few carols and encouraged folks to sing along. The buzzing got a little buzzier, and soon we were all ready to enjoy the show.
It’s a wonderful show.
Yes, that’s a little punny. More so, it’s true. The small cast delivers a big performance. It’s funny and playful and suspenseful and dramatic. It’s touching and moving in all the ways of the classic story, but this performance elicits more emotion. The intimacy of the staging creates another level of connection – with the characters, and the characters playing the characters. Because we’re seeing “behind the scenes” of this production, we can appreciate the production challenges – how performers need to move quickly and ever-so quietly between their speaking roles and their sound effect duties.
I actually closed my eyes a few times to try and take in how it would sound on a radio. It works! But I didn’t “watch” that way for long. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the performance. While timing is crucial to every theatrical production, it might be even more important when staging a live radio show on a small stage, and I loved watching the cast gracefully execute their blocking.
Most of all, I loved – and am in awe of – each actor’s ability to deliver incredibly entertaining and moving performances at a standing microphone. It’s incredible. And it’s fun to watch. Every actor plays an actor and “various,” as noted in the program. Their ability to play these various roles, sometimes in dialogue or conversation with other roles they are playing, is astonishing.
It’s a big lift, one that this cast – Daniel Arana, Wade Elkins, David Flores, Eva Nimmer, and Melinda Parrett – make with ease.
You might have It’s a Wonderful Life in your regular holiday movie rotation, but you’ll want to add The Milwaukee Rep’s live radio play rendition to your social calendar this year. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season. (My dad agrees.)
★★★★★
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs now through December 21. Don’t miss the chance to add this show to your holiday festivities.
Tuesdays*-Fridays – 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
*Early Bird Performance – Tuesday, December 16 – 6:30 p.m
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at MilwaukeeRep.com.
The Stackner Cabaret is located at 108 E, Wells Street ( the Associated Bank Theater Center in Milwaukee
phone 414-224-1761 running time: one hour and forty minutes with no intermission.
EDITOR NOTE:
It is a little different than Chicagoans are used to as the theater is also a dining area allowing for a close audeince /perfomer relationship. For many years, in Chicago, we have had a wonderful production by American Blues Theatre as well as a sharp, intimate version at Oil Lamp Theatre in Glenview. This is another alternative and for some, the ride to Milwaukee is easier than getting into the city.
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