Director George Buri is excited about presenting a unique version of one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever told.
Buri’s 7 Ages Productions will host It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry at the Gas Station Theatre, Dec. 1-3.
It is indeed the same story as the Jimmy Stewart movie that is shown every Christmas, with the somewhat goofy angel, Clarence, saving George Bailey – along with some twists.
“It’s pretty much the whole story that’s presented in the film,” Buri says. “It’s a full-length stage play done in the style of a radio play. All of the sound effects are done by a ‘Foley Artist’ on stage in full view of the audience, and a piano accompanist on the stage plays a score as well.”
It should be interesting to see and hear those sound effects being made the way they used to do it on radio back in the 1940s.
“It’s a play that I’ve been wanting to do for some time, actually,” Buri says. “I looked at different versions of it and found this one, which I like.
Buri has directed about 60 plays over his 27 years with the organization, including Macbeth, Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins and some Fringe shows.
A total of 17 actors will hit the boards for this Christmas play, including Buri’s son-in-law Kai Choy, daughter Stephanie Choy and even his granddaughter, Frankie Choy. Dylan Woodcock is the musical director. All 17 actors will have lines and, quite significantly, they are all volunteers.
Buri’s productions help young actors develop their skills while many regulars participate “for just the simple joy of appearing on stage,” the 7 Ages Productions website says.
“I think people will really enjoy the show,” Buri says. “It’s a very emotional show. I’ve added a few Christmas songs at the beginning just to get the audience warmed up and into the mood. Then, we go right into the performance. And I want to say that our actors are doing a superb job of this.”
The shows will start on Dec. 1, at 1:00 and 7:30 p.m., then continue on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., and finish on Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 plus fees for adults and $15 plus fees for those 12 and under. They can be purchased through the Gas Station Arts Centre at www.gsac.ca or Eventbrite. Group rates are available by contacting Buri at 204-724-7573. For more information, consult the 7 Ages website at www.seven-ages-productions.com.
