Get into the Holiday Spirit with Avon Players’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’

Gather the whole family for a fresh take on an old favorite   

Avon Players’ 75th season continues with Joe Landry’s adaptation of the classic uplifting film, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running November 26-December 11. 

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is based on the classic holiday movie presented with a twist: the story is staged as a live radio broadcast for an added layer of nostalgia. Actors portray numerous characters, and sound effects are created live on stage.  

This radio troupe performs the story of George Bailey (Tom Arwady), a small-town man with globe-trotting dreams. Family and community obligations have kept George in his hometown of Bedford Falls, where he settles into a happy-yet-provincial life with his wife Mary (Nikki Mullaly) and their children. When a series of unfortunate circumstances—including some machinations by the ruthless Mr. Potter (Richard Marcil)—lead a desperate George to question the value of his own life, it will take all the heavenly help lovable novice angel Clarence (Mark Misch) can muster for George to understand what he means to the world and how much generosity and love surround him. 

According to director Kevin Curtis, the play’s classic story presents an enduring theme that certainly resonates in the present day: “If there’s one message this particular show brings to these current times of human unrest, it’s the words Clarence writes in the book he leaves for George at the end of the show, ‘remember, no man is a failure who has friends.’”

Tickets for all shows are $21. Call 248.608.9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Discounts on matinee tickets are available for seniors and students; call the box office for details. Additionally, group rates are available by calling the box office. Please consult the website for the most current COVID-19 precautions before your visit. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. All major credit cards are accepted. All seats are reserved. Show dates and times follow:

• Friday, November 26, 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday November 27, 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 28, 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 3, 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 4, 3:00 p.m
• Saturday, December 4, 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, December 5, 2:00 p.m.
• Friday, December 10, 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 11, 3:00 p.m.
• Saturday, December 11, 8:00 p.m.

Avon Players is celebrating its 75th year of bringing quality entertainment to its community.  Founded in 1947, Avon Players is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit community theatre located along the winding banks of Stoney Creek in the quaint Historic District of Rochester Hills, only about two miles from the heart of downtown Rochester. Avon Players has been performing shows in its unique A-frame theater since 1965. With ticket prices set at a fraction of those at a professional theatre (plus free parking and concessions offered on a donation-only basis), a family of four can experience a sensational live theatrical event for about the cost of one ticket at a “downtown” venue. And for regular theatre-goers, an affordable outing can be an even better bargain by taking advantage of Avon Players’ season ticket packages, which yield discounts of up to 20% per ticket. Additionally, season ticket holders enjoy priority seating selection and voting privileges in Avon’s annual “Stoney Awards.” Additional information regarding tickets and productions is available by calling the Avon Players box office at 248-608-9077 or by visiting the website: www.AvonPlayers.org.

Cast and Production Staff by Community

Clawson

• Nikki Mullaly (“Mary Bailey”)
• Chris Stepnitz (Multiple Characters)

Clinton Township

• Patrick Daniels (Multiple Characters)
• Patty Hagel (“Rose/Mrs. Thompson”)

Macomb

• Sharon Jourdan (Properties Designer)

Macomb Township

• Tom Arwady (“George Bailey”)
• Jonathan Farrell (Multiple Characters)
• Richard Marcil (“Mr. Potter”)

Madison Heights

• Dan Muldoon (“Uncle Billy/Martini”)

New Baltimore

• Kim Bertolini (“Mrs. Hatch”)

Oxford

• Jack Meadows (“Pete/Young George”)

Ray

• Kevin Curtis (Director)

Rochester

• Mark Misch (“Clarence”)
• Kaitlyn Moran (“Young Violet”)
• Kassidy Moran (“Janie/Young Mary”)
• Stephen Moran (Multiple Characters)
• Max Schein (“Announcer/Joseph”)
• Chloe Schultz (Live Sound Effects)

Rochester Hills

• Brad Holoday (Set Designer)
• Louise Holoday (Hair and Makeup Designer)
• John (JD) Deierlein (Lighting Designer)

Royal Oak

• Moxie DuBoc (“Zuzu”)

Shelby Township

• Mark Palmer (Producer/Sound Designer)
• Maya Rockafellow (Costumes)

Sterling Heights

• Emily Brown (Multiple Characters)

West Bloomfield

• Brittney Marie (“Violet/Ruth Dakin”)