REVIEW: Slocum's "It's a Wonderful Life" is Wonderful

Chances are you're quite familiar with the holiday movie classic "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart. If not here's the basic synopsis:

It's the Christmas season and George Bailey's life is falling apart. In despair he gets drunk and, then after running his car into a tree, decides to jump off a bridge. An angel, named Clarence, saves his life, but he "awakes" in a life where he never existed and, therein, gets to see that his life has mattered and that his friends and family are truly dear to him. He "reawakens" to the moment he was about to jump and finds that things really do work out for good.

The Show Must Go On

The cast and "radio studio"set for Slocum Players It's a Wonderful Life.

After months of hiatus, the Slocum Players are back and open their resurrected life with a classic story of resurrection. "It's a Wonderful Life" (by Joe Landay) will be presented as a live radio show now through Dec. 16 at the Friends of the Carpenter workshop/warehouse, 1600 W. 20th St. in Vancouver, and Dec. 22 as a dinner theater at Tommy O's, 831 Washington St., Vancouver. Their own Sassy Ape Theater has not yet been approved for occupancy.

Encore! Encore!

John Borgen

The costumed production, presented with a minimal set and live sound effects, is wonderfully directed by Corrie Graham and Jamie Montgomery and features John Borgen, Mickey McGee, John Richards, Danyelle Tinker Lowder, Susan Van Atter and The Foley Sisters: Lynn Lampkin and Glydene Reinmiller.

If the line-up sounds familiar that's because Slocum presented the show last year with the exact same cast.

Mickey McGee

And that cast is mighty talented. Each plays several parts (though some more than others). The guys especially were good at doing multiple voices. All were exceptional, but Borgen and McGee really had to lay down a variety of characters. Richards' George Bailey voice was much akin to that of Jimmy Stewart. In fact, the voicings all paid homage to the movie characters you love. Several of the actors had to switch instantly and seamlessly between two or even three voices in a single conversation (with themselves)! I thought only Robin Williams could do that. ;)

John Richards

Pre-show (just before "going on the air") the ensemble does interact in character with the audience which adds to the evening's charm. Midway they also present a couple humorous "sponsor" commercials.

While the set was a bit on the iffy side, the costumes, hair and makeup were marvelous and technically the show came off like a dream. Lighting was simple (four Fresnels and an overhead pan), but was all that was required. The Foley (sound) effects were effective, but were subjected to the back of the stage where they could not be watched (which is part of the fun for these "live radio" shows). Also I felt that the musical tracks could have been a little hotter.

Danyelle Tinker Lowder

Less than ideal was the setting: a slightly chilly warehouse/carpentry shop. Somewhat make-shift, but an available space none-the-less. Friends of the Carpenter was good enough to open their building (free of charge) to the Slocum Players since their own space (Sassy Ape Theater) has not been approved for occupancy. Friends of the Carpenter is a unique ministry that helps the homeless by giving them training and employment through woodworking. Their showroom is open to the public prior to and after the show (and they have a large assortment of nice pieces for purchase).

Susan Van Atter

I think one thing would go a long way to improve the viewing experience: a black drape upstage. Otherwise, I pretty much got lost in the show and forgot where I was.

It's a Wonderful Show

This production has a very talented cast and they are a joy to watch and hear. If you love the movie you will probably love this presentation. I know I did. Very enjoyable, very well done, and very merry. Please go and help Slocum Players raise the funds they need to get Sassy Ape open!

Glydene Reinmiller

If you plan to go to the regular (non-dinner) show, dress warmly and Google Map the route or use your GPS; several patrons got lost. General directions are: Drive west on Mill Plain over the railway tracks and take the first right following the white sandwich board signs that say "Slocum Players".

Showtimes are as follows: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 14 and 15; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16 and the Dec. 22 dinner theater begins at 6 p.m. with curtain at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.

Dinner Theater

Lynn Lampkin

The Dec. 22 Dinner Theater at Tommmy O's includes hors d’ourves, of Hawaiian Meatballs, Stuffed Phyllo Shells, Fruit and Cheese Platter, Spiced Nuts; a Salad Course of Organic Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Ranch Dressing and Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with Butter all served family style at tables of 4-7 people. Plus Entrée Selections (choice of): Sweet and Spicy Papaya “Airline” Chicken Breast, Coffee Rubbed Flat Iron Steak (both are gluten-free) or a Vegetarian selection of Tofu and Vegetable Curry served over garlic mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley; and, of course, a dessert of assorted cupcakes, cookies and bars by Treat Bakery.

John Richards as George Bailey speaks with 

Susan Van Atter as Violet Bick.

The agenda for that evening is as follows: Doors open at 6 p.m.; guests will be seated at 6:45 and order dinner entrees; the show begins at 7 p.m.; Intermission will be at 7:40 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7:45 p.m.; the second act will begin at 8:20 p.m.; and dessert and coffee will be served at 9 p.m.

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED!

The actual running time of the show is about 90 minutes.

Christmas decorations grace the front window of Slocum Players' not yet opened Sassy
Ape Theater. You can help open their doors by attending this production. Photo provided.

Dinner Show tickets are $50 per person (includes ticket price, dinner, tax and gratuity). All beverages (aside from the coffee with dessert) can be purchased for an additional charge the night of event. Tickets are sold through Tommy O’s Bistro ONLY.

Review, photographs and video (except as noted) by 
Gregory E. Zschomler

Slocum Players Back on Stage with "It's a Wonderful Life" as a Radio Drama

WE WILL BE REVIEWING THIS SHOW (Look for the post on 12/08)

REVIEW: Love Street Playhouse Presents a Real Present in a Classic "A Christmas Carol" Radio Show

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is now playing at the Love Street Playhouse in Woodland, Wash. But this time the oft-told tale of Charles Dickens' 1843 novel is presented as a 1940s radio adaptation complete with live sound effects, radio commercials and music.

You're thinking yeah, big deal, right? You've seen "A Christmas Carol" countless times in numerous iterations--including the Muppets. Why do it again? Because you LOVE this redemptive story! And because it's so fun to see this "live and on the air from coast to coast."

All your favorite characters are here from Scrooge, Marley's Ghost, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim to the Ghosts of Past, Present and Future. Plus the Love Street cast entertains the audience with beautiful Christmas songs from the 1940s. AND there's a traditional visit from you-know-who before the show, so arrive when the doors open.

It Was All But Dead to Begin With

Beginning with a beloved story and a great cast the show was off to a good start.

If you been to LSP before you'll see faces from the past: Lori, Laurel and Andrew Anderson, Tom Golik, Melissa Mitchell, Karen Ferraro and Michael McElliott. Always enjoyable to see these talented players. And there are new faces bringing new and delightful talent as well.

Andrew Anderson is definitely growing as an actor, every time I see him I am surprised by the new things he brings to the stage. He was especially good with his voices for Peter Cratchit and Poole (he also plays the young Scrooge and Fred).

Lori Anderson is a great character actress and such a good sport. She's quite funny (on and off stage) and will give you everything she's got. In this production she gets to play two guys: Old Joe and the Ghost of Christmas Present. Which I kinda got a kick out of, but with her I always do.

Front from left: Laurel and Lori Anderson and Melissa Mitchell
haggle about the possessions of the departed Scrooge.

Laurel Anderson is my favorite young SW Washington actress. She is fearless and a talented natural. (She probably gets it from her mother, Lori.) She often plays the romantic leading lady type, but this time she portrays Mrs. Cratchit, Lamb and Charwoman. As Cratchit she displays a depth of emotion and her Charwoman was gritty and wicked. And her pre-show performance (singing and dancing) was superb!

Golik plays the Ghost of Christmas Future (no dialogue there), the radio announcer, Fezziwig and Marley's Ghost. His warm voice makes for a good announcer, but, knowing Tom, he had fun with the spooky aspects of Marley.

Ferraro deftly performs the dramatic story narration. Mitchell plays Martha Cratchit, a party guest and Mrs Dilber very nicely--especially Dilber.

Michael McElliott? Well, he plays Scrooge. Wonderfully. Carrying much of the show, naturally, a lot of concentration and energy is required as he transforms from sinner to saint and McElliott did it.

Brendan Rearden as Bob Cratchit holds
Lucas Smith as Tiny Tim.

The newcomers were also quite good and had the "smaller" roles (there are no small roles, only small actors). Nine year-old Jasmine "Jazzy" Erickson  was delightful as Fan Scrooge and Belinda Cratchit. Mary Jane Wilkinson filled the roles of party guest and a businesswoman, though she was oft busy making sound effects as well--something all members of the cast participated in, by the way.

The newcomer standouts were: Brendan Reardon as Bob Cratchit and the Ghost of Christmas Past which he did quite well. Madeline Hunter performed her parts as Kate and Belle with grace and charm. She also has a lovely voice which she offers pre-show.

But the cream of the crop was eight year-old Lucas Smith as Buck, a caroler and...Tiny Tim. Wow! He was the bestest Tiny Tim I have ever heard/seen. Yeah, this kid nailed it!

I Will Show You the Things to Come

If you go, and you should (in fact take the whole family), expect to be truly entertained. It is so fun to watch the actors change characters and see them provide the many live sound effects.

The adaption for stage by Anthony E. Palermo is nicly done, but somewhat abridged (it runs just one hour). Some of the famous lines you know ("Marley was dead to begin with," "It's the only warmth he 'ad in 'im," etc.) are sadly missing. Palermo also composed and arrange the music score that accompanies the show and it is great. It underscores the scary moments, the transformational moments, the festive moments, etc. with the perfect mood.

The set, a 1940s radio station studio, wasn't perfect--a lot of it wasn't very 1940s--but it sufficed. I guess I've just come to expect a little better from LSP. The lighting and sound all came off well.

Love Street Has Again Blessed Us All, Everyone

Melinda Leuthold, Love Street's Artistic Director, directed the show. While not a lot of blocking was required she brought out the character performances, did the sound design, set, costuming and more. Ruth Lindeken's choreography, performed by Laurel Anderson, was cute.

This is a show that will entertain and warm your heart. I suppose it is a story that should be seen each Christmas--a tradition as traditional as lights, decorated trees, gift-giving, going to church and family dinner.

WARNING: I do think some of the ghostly moments might upset sensitive children; they were scary to me.

Dates and Times: December 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and December 2, 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Again  the show runs one hour. Doors open one hour before curtain.

Advance tickets are $11-15. Call to reserve: 360.907.9996 or go to http://www.lovestreetplayhouse.com/

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler
All Photographs by Darcie Elliott provided