It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Returns to Cygnet Theatre 11/26-12/31

This holiday season, Cygnet Theatre Company is proud to present the fifth annual production of the timeless holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play based on the Frank Capra film and adapted for the stage by Joe Landry. It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs November 26th through December 31st, 2010 on Cygnet Theatre's Old Town Stage located at 4040 Twiggs Street. Low-priced previews are November 26th through December 3rd. Press Opening is December 4th at 8pm.

It's December 24, 1946 in Studio A at WCYG Radio and a cast of actors are preparing to present It's a Wonderful Life in a "live" 1940's radio broadcast filled with music and the beloved characters from the film. With the help of a pianist and a sound effects artist, the ensemble recreates the story of George Bailey, a young man whose dreams of traveling the world are thwarted by his sense of responsibility to the family business. Down on his luck, George contemplates throwing his life away when he is visited by Clarence, a guardian angel, who shows George what the world would be like had he never been born.

This year's cast is once again directed by Artistic Director Sean Murray and features returning favorites from last year's production including Tom Andrew as George Bailey, who received a 2008 San Diego Critic's Circle Award for this signature performance and the brilliant Scott Paulson who reigns over Bedford Falls once again with his live, old-fashioned Foley sound effects 'orchestra'. Also returning are Amanda Sitton as Mary Hatch, Melissa Fernandes as Violet Bick, Jonathan Dunn-Rankin as Mr. Potter, Veronica Murphy as Ma Bailey, David McBean as Harry Bailey and Tim West as Clarence the Angel . Piano accompaniment and musical direction will be provided by Billy Thompson.

In its fifth year, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is quickly becoming a San Diego tradition. You won't want to miss it this year.

Performances of It's A Wonderful Life are Tuesday through Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $24 - $49. Discounts are available for seniors, students and military.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting Cygnet's website at www.cygnettheatre.com or calling the box office at 619-337-1525. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the box office at 4040 Twiggs St. in the Old Town Historic Park.

WHAT: Cygnet Theatre Company presents It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.

WHERE: Cygnet Theatre - The Old Town Stage
4040 Twiggs St. in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

WHO: Adapted by Joe Landry

Director: Sean Murray Stage Manager: Heather Brose*
Costume Design: Shirley Piersonº Lighting Design: Michelle Caron
Sound Design: Matt Lescault-Woodº Properties Design: Bonnie Durbenº
SFX Design: Scott Paulson Scenic Design: Sean Murray
Wig and Hair Design: Peter Hermanº Musical Director: Billy Thomspon

CAST: Tom Andrew*º(George Bailey)
Jonathan Dunn-Rankin (Mr. Potter)
Melissa Fernandesº (Violet Bick)
David McBean* (Harry Bailey)
Veronica Murphyº (Ma Bailey)
Scott Paulson (Sam Hinds, sfx)
Amanda Sitton (Mary Hatch)
Billy Thompson (Mr. Church)
Tim Westº(Clarence Oddbody, Uncle Billy)
* Member of Actors Equity Association, °Resident Artist

DATES: Previews begin: Friday, November 26th, 2010
Press Opening: Saturday, December 4th, 2010 at 8:00pm
Closes: Sunday, December 31st, 2010

Performance Schedule
Wednesday - Thursday at 7:30pm
Tuesday Performances at 7:30pm...beginning December 14th
Friday at 8:00pm
Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm
Sunday at 2:00pm and 7:00pm

PRICES: Range from $24-$49
Previews: $29(Section A) / $24(Section B)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday Evenings: $39(Section A) / $34(Section B)
Friday Evenings, Saturday and Sunday Matinees: $42(Section A) / $37(Section B)
Saturday Evenings: $49(Section A) / $44(Section B)
(Discounts are available for children, seniors, students, active-duty military and groups)

HOW: Phone: (619) 337-1525
Online: www.cygnettheatre.com
In Person: Old Town Theatre - 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego, CA 92110