IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Opens Tonight at Theatre Unleashed

A very eventful year for Theatre Unleashed culminates in the return of its annual holiday show and what has become a local seasonal tradition. TU is bringing back its mega-hit show KAWL Presents It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play for the Stage, this time presented in the company's newly redesigned home The Belfry Stage in North Hollywood from Dec. 4-21.

The show takes place at KAWL, a struggling 1940s radio station that good-hearted owner Michael Anderson is barely keeping alive. He calls on some old friends (with big personalities) and some less-than-professional station employees to offer up a live radio version of Frank Capra's touching masterpiece It's a Wonderful Life in what might sadly be the station's last live show. But it is the holidays, a time when miracles can happen...

"It's a play within a play, and by presenting both the story of It's a Wonderful Life and the struggles of this fictional radio station in the environment of a live radio play in front of a live audience, we have so much to play with in terms of creating a really magical atmosphere that's perfect for the holidays," said Jim Martyka, the Director of Publicity for TU and the show's playwright.

And for the past three years, audiences have responded, packing houses for the show.
"What started out as a simple fundraiser a few years ago has now become a TU holiday tradition," said Director Erin Scott. "After our first year, one performance, we realized we had a show that was an instant holiday favorite. It has become a meaningful tradition for our company and our patrons alike. It's always fun to see families come back every year and know that we are part of how they celebrate the holidays."

With this production, TU is continuing its practice of partnering with a local charity, this time teaming up with Toys For Tots. The company is also expanding the number of shows, offering it on traditionally "dark" nights and even looking to take the show to other places this holiday season. For more information, check outwww.theatreunleashed.org.

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