The holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be brought to the stage this weekend as a live 1940s radio broadcast at Naperville North High School’s Performing Arts Center.
“I’ve always loved ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,” said teacher Andy Simon, who directed the production. “Audiences should expect to see all the things they love about the movie; it will bring the same emotions as well and make you cry at the end.”
A cast and crew of about 50 students will bring to life the story of idealistic George Bailey, played by senior Nathan Warwick, as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
“I grew up watching the movie every Christmas with my family,” Nathan, 18, said. “George Bailey is such a classic character, which is one of the things I love about playing him.”
Nathan said while it is set during the holidays, “It’s a Wonderful Life” has a message that is meant for anyone at any time.
“There is just something that is special about the message,” Nathan said. “It doesn’t matter what religion, creed or whatever you may be. It has a message of truly loving the life that you have. Even though times are tough and things may come your way, you can face that adversity and you can get through it.”
And unlike the movie, North’s radio play version forces the student actors to convey emotions using only their voice.
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“One of the biggest struggles of a radio show is making sure you get every single emotion across using just your voice,” Nathan said. “It’s a lot different because (in a typical play) you can get a lot of interactions through moving around.”
Simon agreed, saying that was one of the reasons he selected the script.
“We thought a radio play would be an interesting opportunity for the kids and I’ve been really impressed with their vocal work,” Simon said. “It’s harder in many ways and they have handled it really well.”
Simon also cast a caroling choir that will perform before the show and it’s rumored that Santa will be making an appearance as well. And of course, every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.
The show will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at Naperville North High School’s Performing Arts Center. 899 N. Mill Street, Naperville. Tickets are $5 to $10. For more information, go to www.nnhsarts.com.