Written by Joe Landry | Directed by Candy McLellan
Welcome to the enchanting world behind the scenes of our live radio play set in the 1940s! Thank you for being our live radio audience. As Freddie Filmore would say, "Feel free to applaud, laugh, swoon, and cry" as you witness this piece. I'm thrilled for audiences to delve into the magic of "It's a Wonderful Life" through this unique perspective. Rarely do we have the opportunity to witness actors portraying actors, who, in turn, are playing roles themselves. The layers of performance within performance add an extra layer of excitement, especially when set against the backdrop of this timeless Christmas classic. Did I mention there is live foley, fun radio jingles and an outstanding ensemble of actors.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
"It's a Wonderful Life" holds a special place in my heart. Its narrative weaves a tapestry of hope, redemption, and love. In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it's easy to succumb to the weariness that can weigh us down. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact we have on others and the significance of our existence. In the midst of life's challenges, we often forget that we matter and that our actions can create ripples of positive change. As you immerse yourself in this radio play, I invite you to not only enjoy the familiar tale but also reflect on the deeper messages it imparts. Let the spirit of the season and the power of storytelling transport you to a place where dreams are rekindled, hearts are warmed, and the magic of "It's a Wonderful Life" comes to life in a whole new way.
Adapted by Joe Landry
Thank you for joining us on this nostalgic journey, where the echoes of the past and the magic of the present come together to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Presented by Arrangement with Dramatists Play Service www.Dramatists.com
Wishing you a joyous and heartwarming performance!!
-Candy McLellan
It's a Wonderful Life is based on the story, The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern, adapted by Joe Landry.
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Content Warning: Please be advised, this play contains themes and depictions of suicide and substance abuse.
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Director
Charis Sellick
Juniper Lee Fowler
Assistant Director
Stage Manager/ Props Designer
Lilly Baxley
Amy Duffy
Intimacy/Fight Choreographer
Musical Director/Foley Artist
Lindsey Sharpless
J.Faye Manselle
Kate Hohn
Connor Gerney
Lighting Designer
Justin Ball Producing Artistic Director
Lilly Baxley
Marisa Wallis
Production Manager
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Alishah Bhamani
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Stage Door Theatre owes a very special Thank You to Amy Duffy with Destination Theatre & Justin Walker
Brock Kercher Brandy Bell
as Freddie Filmore and others as Sally Applewhite and others
Brandy Bell is overjoyed to be returning to Stage Door this holiday season. You may have seen her last year at Stage Door in Twas the Night Before Christmas, or in other productions around Atlanta such as Oh To Be Pure Again (Actor’s Express); Matilda the Musical (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Spring Awakening (Jennie T. Anderson); Macbeth (Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern). Her regional works include Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Evita, Henry IV pt. 1 & Henry IV pt. 2, The Three Musketeers, Miss Nelson is Missing, Interstellar Cinderella (Orlando Shakes). Brandy got her BA in Theatre & Performance Studies at Kennesaw State University. She would like to thank her parents, Betsy, and Sully. For everything.
Garrett McPherson as Jake Laurents and others Garrett, originally from Central Texas and a Baylor University Theatre BFA graduate, has a rich background in theatre, with credits including The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Synchronicity), The Bachelor Party (OutFront), and Fly (African American Rep), among others. He's also appeared in TV/Film, notably in Doom Patrol. Garrett is thrilled to be part of this classic story, a longtime favorite of his. He extends heartfelt thanks to his family, friends, bowling team (the Jingle Bowls), and all who made this year wonderful. Finally, he’d like to thank his Oma for sending taped TCM showings of classic movies when he was just a toddler. He wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for that expression of love so long ago.
Kymberli Green as Lana Sherwood and others Kymberli Green is excited for her Stagedoor Theatre debut! She was most recently a swing for the Weird Sister’s Theatre Project’s production of The Pros and Cons of Killing Your Cult Leader and in the Fall 2022 TYA shows for Georgia Ensemble Theatre. Kymberli, a proud Aurora Theatre Appco Alumni (2022), is grateful to join this cast to bring audiences entertainment and heart during the most wonderful time of the year! She is very thankful for each stage opportunity and can’t wait to play!
Brock is ecstatic to make his return to Stage Door! Recent credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Macbeth 60, and Romeo and Juliet 60 (ASC). Much love to his family and friends for their unrelenting support. To the Post Oak Family, "Everybody eats!" ig: @brock_lee_robb
Anthony Nash as Harry Heywood and others Anthony J. Nash, a Georgia native and Atlanta theatre regular, is thrilled to make his debut at Stage Door Theatre. With recent roles in Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters (Synchronicity Theatre), Wicket: A Parody Musical (Dad's Garage), and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Shakespeare Tavern), Anthony continues to deepen his passion for acting. He's especially excited to be part of this Christmas production, sharing a timeless story during a cherished season. He hopes the audience finds as much joy in the story as he does in bringing it to life.
Alishah Bhamani as Male Understudy Alishah Bhamani (He/Him) is excited to be back at Stage Door Theatre. Recent Credits: Atlanta - Peter and the Starcatcher (Stage Door Theatre), The Other Bones (Essential Theatre), Allegiance (Arís Theatre). South Carolina - Dragonsoul Offline (South Carolina New Play Festival). Educational - Noises Off, The Arabian Nights, Legally Blonde, Waiting for Godot, The Odyssey (Gainesville Theatre Alliance/Brenau University). Film/TV - Atlanta (FX). Represented by Alexander White Agency. IG: @alisbhamani.
Grace Wallace as Female Understudy Gracie Wallace (she/her/hers) is thrilled to make her Stagedoor debut. Atlanta Credits include: As You Like It, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Macbeth, Pericles, 2021-2022 Apprentice Company (Atlanta Shakespeare Company), The Other Bones (Essential Theatre). Educational: The Skin of Our Teeth, The Seagull, (University of West Florida), The Wooing of Etain (The LIR Theatre/Dublin, Ireland). Education: BFA, Musical Theatre, The University of West Florida
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Candy McLellan (Director) Candy (she/her) is a graduate of University of West Georgia and acting apprenticeship at Aurora Theatre. She is based In Atlanta, GA and is a singer, dancer, stage and tv/film actor, choreographer, director, casting associate and teacher. Previous directing credits include: Wait Until Dark, She Persisted: The Musical, Dragons Love Tacos (GA Ensemble), The Niceties (Stage Door Theatre), Operating Systems (Louisiana State University) Caroline, or Change (Jeanie T. Anderson), Christmas in July (Aurora Theatre). She is grateful to be back at Stage Door Theatre for It’s a Wonderful Life. Follow @Candymcloveme on Instagram to see what she’s up to next.
Charis Sellick (Assistant Director) Charis Sellick (Assistant Director) is stepping into the role of assistant director for the first time at Stage Door Theatre and couldn’t have asked for a better team to be a part of! Some past Atlanta credits include: Peter and The Starcatcher (Stage Door theatre), The Manuscript (Essential Theatre), To Serve the Hive (SheATL Arts), Macbeth 60 (Atlanta Shakespeare Company), Home, I’m Darling (Synchronicity). You can see more of her work on YouTube: @Charis Sellick. Thank you to everyone who came to support the arts, go see theatre! HEE-HAW
Juniper Lee Fowler (Stage Manager/Props Designer) Juniper Lee Fowler (they/them) is happy to be returning to Stage Door for the holidays. Juniper Lee has stage managed at various theatres in the Atlanta area including Burning Bone Physical Theatre, Horizon, and Georgia Ensemble Theatre. This is their first show they've designed props for outside of college, and are excited to bring this show to life for Dunwoody audiences. Merry Chrysler!
Amy Duffy (Music Director/ Foley Artist) Amy Duffy is excited to be spending Christmas with Stage Door Players! Amy's an actor, music director, and arts administrator. In Atlanta, she’s worked with the following: Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Aurora Theatre, Buicentennial Productions, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Horizon Theatre, Serenbe Playhouse, Atlanta Shakespeare Company, Stone Mountain Park, and Georgia Aquarium. She is the co-founder of Destination Theatre. @amyelizabethduffy
J. Faye Manselle (Costume Designer) An alumni of the Columbus State University theatre program, Jordan Manselle (she/her) , better known as J. Faye Manselle, graduated in 2016. She went on to apply her studies to the film industry and became a union costumer and indie designer. She has an Ostranders Award nomination for Best Costume Design on Mississippi Goddamn (The Circuit Playhouse). Some of her recent film costume credits include: They Cloned Tyrone (2023) and the upcoming The Color Purple Musical. Faye is ecstatic to be returning to Stage Door Theatre once again after designing for The Niceties & Completeness earlier this year.
Lilly Baxley (Fight Choreographer/Intimacy Director)
Lindsey Sharpless ( Lighting Design)
Lilly is a Georgia native and stage manager at heart with over ten years of experience leading productions. Lilly was the resident assistant stage manager with the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse for six years and worked as a freelance artist with Aurora Theatre before joining Stage Door Theatre. Lilly also loves Intimacy direction and all types of design. Her favorite project was assistant stage-managing Mary Poppins (Aurora Theatre).
Lindsey Sharpless graduated in 2014 with a BA in Theatre. After graduating, Lindsey worked professionally as a touring stage manager until 2016 when she co-founded Vernal & Sere Theatre, where she currently acts as producing partner, lighting designer, and performer. In between productions with her company, Lindsey does freelance lighting design and stage management around the city, and acts as house tech at Windmill Arts in East Point, GA.
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