The Cambridge Players Present the Play of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
Cambridge’s Advanced Drama Department members — seen here in character — perform the play in front of Thursday’s audience.
Scattered across the stage is 1940’s decor. Four vintage microphones accent the array of regency sofas and chairs placed around the inside of a radio station.
A radio personality sporting a headset walks on stage to announce the start of the live show.
“We are on in 5, 4, 3…”
Blinding red lights flood your vision, spelling out “on air” and “applause” as the live radio show host appears with a toothy grin and a double-breasted suit.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” said the radio show host to the crowd.
The scene unfolding is courtesy of the Cambridge Advanced Drama Department’s final rehearsal of “It’s a Wonderful Life, a Live Radio Play.” The group performed the play on Thursday and Friday.
10 A.M is the scheduled time for Saturday’s performance. Tickets are $10 for guests and free for staff and faculty.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a film by Frank Capra based on Philip Van Doren’s, “The Greatest Gift,” which quickly became a musical and a play.
The story is centered around George Bailey, a man who’s overwhelmed by family obligations and his uninteresting job.
As he ages, he sees his youth and dreams pass him by ever so fast. As he contemplates ending his life, he is met by his guardian angel, (Clarence), who shows him what life in the town would be like had he never been born.
Drama teacher Tracey Buot said she selected this narrative, because it’s a classic Christmas story that’s perfect for the holidays.
“I hope people go away realizing their own life is wonderful, and not to take the little things in life for granted,” said Buot.
The cast includes junior Kendall Warner as George Bailey, junior Lucy Pease as Mary Bailey, senior Brendan Kane as Uncle Billy and junior Andrew Cardell as Freddie Filmore.
While Warner is fairly new to the drama department, he’s been in multiple plays throughout the years. Pease, on the other hand, is no stranger to the near-daily rehearsals during and after school.
This contributes to the comfortable, accepting environment Warner, Kane and Cardell all said to The Bear Witness.
“I’d say all of my best friends are in this cast. We’re really supportive of each other. It is a competitive environment, but it’s also such a loving one.” said Pease.
The purpose of the production, (said Buot), is to have the audience evaluate their lives and be grateful for the things they have. Mostly, though, the purpose is to induce emotion.
“I think the best part of the play is the telling of the story and how you can come together as a group to creatively tell a story and ultimately have an audience either laugh or cry,” said Buot. “And to make people reflect — hopefully they are reflecting a little bit on their own lives.”
The upcoming productions for the Cambridge Advanced Drama Department include “The Addams Family” and “Curious Savage”. Both plays will be performed next semester; however, “Curious Savage” auditions have yet to begin.
