Patchogue Theatre to Present 'IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE' Radio Play at Small Business Saturday

Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (PTPA) will present the return of "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play," written by Joe Landry, on Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. for Downtown Patchogue's Small Business Saturday festivities.

Joe Landry's fresh interpretation of this nostalgic classic is fast becoming America's favorite new holiday tradition and marks its second year run at Patchogue Theatre. The award-winning adaptation has been named one of the top ten most produced plays in the country by American Theatre Magazine.

Long before iPods and Netflix, and even before network television, broadcast radio was America's favorite pastime. Families would gather around and be entertained with nothing more than voices, sound effects, a good story and their imaginations filling in the details. "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" revisits that nostalgia in time, for the most wonderful time of the year.

Theatre goers will have the opportunity to step back in time to the 1940s and become a part of the live studio audience for a simulated radio broadcast of the beloved holiday classic, "It's A Wonderful Life." It's Christmas Eve 1946, and the actors are assembled on stage at WAWL Radio. The "Sound Guy" welcomes the studio audience, the countdown begins and, on cue, the show goes live.

True to Frank Capra's cinematic classic, everyman George Bailey must learn that "no man is a failure who has friends" (and a little divine intervention), when he must face off against local robber baron (and all around curmudgeon) Henry F. Potter.

Starring the wildly diverse voice talents of Tony Butera (George Bailey), Lauren Ware (Mary Bailey), Jim O'Brien (Joseph, Mr. Potter and others), Bob Kaplan (Clarence, Peter Bailey, Mr. Gower and others), Cindy Clifford (Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Hatch, Violet Bick and others) and Leer Leary (the Sound Guy and others).

Also as a part of Downtown Patchogue's Small Business Saturday festivities, Patchogue Theatre in partnership with the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce will host photos with Santa in the lobby prior to the performance from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. In exchange for a free photo with Santa, patrons are requested to bring a non-perishable food item for donation. Food donations will benefit the Patchogue Neighbors INN, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that addresses the issues of hunger and homelessness on Long Island by providing food, shelter, long-term housing and supportive services in a dignified and respectful manner. The Patchogue Village Christmas Parade is also the same day and begins at 6 p.m. on Main Street.

Tickets for "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" are now available online, by phone or at the box office. Ticket prices range from $25 to $35, plus ticket convenience charges. For more information on this unique presentation of "It's A Wonderful Life," visit our website at PatchogueTheatre.org/Events or call our box office at 631-207-1313.

Five voice actors and a foley artist will bring to life the beloved holiday classic "It's A Wonderful Life"on stage as a simulated 1940s radio broadcast on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m.

Patchogue Theatre first opened in 1923 as the largest theatre in Suffolk County. It still is, with the installation of 1,106 brand new seats during the 2016 renovation. Saved by Village of Patchogue in 1996 and lovingly restored it to its original grandeur, this beautiful and historic venue was in use 230 days with over 150,000 in attendance for its 2016-2017 season. PTPA is an independent community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leases the building from the Village of Patchogue and covers all of the operating costs without any subsidies from the Village. PTPA's leadership consists of a volunteer board of directors and a small professional staff. Patchogue Theatre continues to thrive thanks to the hard work of over 90 volunteers as well as the businesses, funding agencies and individuals who support PTPA by contributing their time and resources. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, N.Y., and can be reached at 631-207-1313 or by visiting PatchogueTheatre.org.

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