NFT Youth Ensemble Presents IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: The Radio Play, Opens 12/5

The Noble Fool Theatricals Youth Ensemble proudly presents the retelling of a classic American film radio-style, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, on the Studio Stage at Pheasant Run Resort (4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL; box office 630-584-6342).

Eleven local teenagers were chosen to be a part of the cast, with each cast member having multiple roles within the show. While there isn't any singing or dancing, these youth actors have stepped up to the challenge of focusing on their dramatic acting needed to retell the captivating story.

Alex Adams of St. Charles, 15, plays the role of George Bailey. "This play is very different from any other I've done because it is set as an old fashioned radio show," says Adams. "It's a big challenge to act without set changes or props. We're working really hard on character development instead of movement. We have a great cast and everyone is enjoying playing different roles."

Adapted by Joe Landry from the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling, the fateful story of George Bailey will come to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Patrons will become a part of the live studio audience and relive the beloved tale of regret and redemption told through insightful storytelling, familiar characters and engaging sound effects.

Director is Jacqueline Lueken of Sandwich, IL, new to the NFT academy staff. "The cast has been working to make the show a full out 1940s Radio Show experience for their audience - creating 1940's characters that they will be portraying as they read the script It's A Wonderful Life for the 'On Air' Broadcast," says Lueken. "It's been a real blast getting to delve into working with their voices on different characters (some of the cast members portray as many as 8 different characters throughout the show) - one of the actors is even taking on the role of our 'Foley Artist' and will be in charge of creating all the sound effects you'll see/hear in the show!"

This will be the eleventh NFT Youth Ensemble production, but the first non-musical show and first youth ensemble production to be presented on the Studio Stage. The NFT Youth Ensemble continues to grow in size and talent, attracting youth actors in over 20 surrounding suburbs.

It's A Wonderful Life cast members include from St. Charles: Alex Adams, Gianna Marzetta, Geneva: Jack Muenster, Rebecca Roy, Sara Schennum, Luke Totman, Bartlett: Natalie Hilvert, West Chicago: Elena Tubridy, Winfield: Megan Tennis, Montgomery: Gabriel Harder, and Plano: Stirling Joyner.

The NFT Youth Ensemble is an exclusive, audition-only education program for the best and brightest young talent. Members learn the craft of theater through the process of preparing for live performances. Youth Ensemble performances are produced, directed and performed in the same manner as Noble Fool's professional Theater Productions.

The NFT Youth Ensemble will present It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, rated G, for the public on the Studio Stage at Pheasant Run on the following dates: December 5, 12, 19, and 26; Saturday at 7:00pm, and December 6, 13, 20 and 27; Sunday at 2:30pm. Tickets are priced at $15. Dining packages are available.

Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.noblefool.org.

 

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