Half Moon Theatre Presents IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE 1946 RADIO PLAY, Now thru 12/20

Half Moon Theatre Company invites you to bring the entire family to celebrate the holiday season tonight, Dec. 5-20 (weekends only) with It's a Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play. Set in a 1946 radio station studio, five actors perform an "on-air" retelling of this heartwarming tale. The actors portray all of the movie's favorite characters and are joined by a live sound effects artist-who brings the story to life by encouraging audience participation. Kids (and kids at heart) will love getting to applaud and make special sound effects throughout the performance.

Adapted by Tony Palermo, It's A Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play is directed by Michael Schiralli and features Jason Cohen, Darrell James*, Molly Renfroe Katz*, Amy Lemon Olson*, John Summerford*, and Drama Desk nominated live sound effects artist Ien DeNio.

With a festive sing-along to favorite carols and hilarious commercials, everyone in the family will enjoy this version of the timeless classic about love, redemption and the Christmas spirit. Give your kids their first It's a Wonderful Life experience, or bring your entire office or out of town guests for a memorable holiday outing!

Director Michael Schiralli said, "It's not the holidays without watching It's A Wonderful Life. Its message-that no man is a failure who has friends-sums up the heart of the season. Sharing it with the Hudson Valley-live-in a theatrical setting, in this clever radio play version, makes it that more special. It's the perfect gift for the person who has everything!"

John Summerford, who plays the beloved everyman George Bailey, said, "The film has always been a part of the holidays for most of us. This version gives the Hudson Valley community an opportunity to come together during this special time of year and reflect on what is truly important in our lives. Community is such an important theme in this piece."

"It's a Wonderful Life is the perfect holiday show for the whole family," said HMT managing director Kristy Grimes. "We're hoping everyone from Grandma to the grandkids will come for dinner at The Culinary Institute of America, see the show, and start a new Christmas tradition right here in the Hudson Valley."

As part of the It's A Wonderful Life festivities, Grimes said carolers will stroll through the theatre singing holiday music. She noted The Culinary Institute of America will offer themed concessions from the Apple Pie Bakery for Christmas -with special treats for children.

Performance Dates:

• FRIDAY 12/5, 12/12, 12/19 at 8:00 p.m.
• SATURDAY 12/6, 12/13, 12/20 at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
• SUNDAY 12/7, 12/14 at 2:00 p.m.
• Special performance: WEDNESDAY 12/17 at 8:00 p.m.

Special Events:

• FRIDAY 12/12 at 7:00 p.m. & SATURDAY 12/20 at 1:15 p.m.: Stage and screen SOUND EFFECTS SHOW & TELL with Drama Desk award nominated sound effect artist Ien DeNio

• WEDNESDAY 12/17 at 7:00 p.m.: Join Eddie Kowalski, CIA graduate, owner and chef of CRAVE and LOLA's Café, for a special pre-show talk about his favorite holiday recipes.

• SUNDAY 12/7 at 1:00 p.m.: Join film scholar Sybil DelGaudio for a special pre-show talk about the classic film that inspired the play.

Special Dinner Option for Theatre Patrons: Due to overwhelming popular demand, The Culinary Institute of America will open its Italian themed restaurant Caterina de'Medici on two Saturday nights (12/6 & 12/13) for Half Moon Theatre patrons. Guests will enjoy a specially crafted family-style meal, with a selection of salads, homemade pastas, and dessert (and we'll get you out in time for the show!). The cost is $39 per person (not including beverages, tax, and service charge).

This very special pre-theatre dining experience is currently ONLY BEING OFFERED to Half Moon Theatre patrons. Call now to book your reservations for Dec. 6 or Dec. 13. Pre-theatre dining reservations are available between 5:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

TO BOOK YOUR TABLE, call 845-451-1553 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm) or email r_owens@culinary.edu. Please act quickly as reservations for this special family-style pre-theatre dinner will sell out.

TICKETS to It's a Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play are sold separately ($35-$45). Dinner reservations are not required to see the show, although dinner and a show certainly make a wonderful pairing.

GROUP SALES tickets for It's a Wonderful Life are available for parties of 7 or more at $30 each. For Groups Sales or holiday Gift Certificates to Half Moon Theatre productions, please contact marcie@halfmoontheatre.org.

To purchase tickets to Half Moon Theatre's It's A Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play, call 1-800-838-3006 or order online at www.halfmoontheatre.org.