---

A uniquely entertaining take on a beloved Christmas classic opens this weekend as the Passion for Acting Theatre Company presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” a dinner-theatre production adapted by Joe Landry beginning at 6 p.m. Friday at WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Jackson St. downtown Hope.

Producer and director Connie Kiviniemi-Baylor says it is not only the timelessness of the story, but its presentation that makes this production different from previous plays she’s offered at WILLow LeaVes.

The play may feature a smaller cast and require less rehearsal time, but there is a bit more expected of actors, Baylor says.

“They are all playing multiple characters, so I need to make sure they work on developing different voices, mannerisms and body language for each character,” she says. “We have a Foley artist on stage creating sound effects live for the audience to see and that is a fun change from our usual plays where we use recorded sound effects when needed.”

Local actor Paul Hoffman is no stranger to the WILLow LeaVes stage and says this version of a timeless Christmas classic “makes you feel just like you’re in the audience at a real 1940s-era radio station watching actors perform a play just as they would have back then.”

Complete with period dress and advertisements similar to what one would hear during a radio broadcast at that time, the production transports the audience to a much simpler era that is punctuated by the same human trials and drama experienced in 2023.

Hoffman says he likens Clarence’s character to that of Edith Bunker from the television show “All in the Family” as both characters are a bit awkward and naïve, but who both act from a place of love.

“They care about everyone, they’re not afraid to sacrifice themselves for the good of others,” Hoffman says. “And they’re gentle when they need to correct someone.”

If Clarence succeeds in his mission, he will finally get the wings it has taken him more than 200 years to earn, Hoffman adds.

It is the seeming simple, yet profound, nature of Bailey’s realizations by the end of the play that make this story a true timeless classic, Hoffman says.

“One of the things this story teaches us is not to overlook the effect we’ve had on others or that others have had on us,” Hoffman says. “And to be grateful for those relationships.”

As Bailey seems to glance over those things to complain about his lot in life, it is only when he has the chance to step back and see the bigger picture that his perception changes.

“When he sees what a positive difference he’s made in the lives of his friends and family and how they feel about him he realizes that’s more important than the things he’s missed out on,” Hoffman says. “That’s timeless.”

Baylor adds classics offer solid stories that speak to the human heart and touch upon a theme or themes that are relevant to what it means to be human.

Everyone can make a positive difference in the world, Baylor says, simply by remembering the inherent value of this human experience and what it means to live with love, grace, and purpose.

“For many, they [the classics] bring back memories of childhood, the best days or sharing a special time with loved ones,” Baylor says. “’It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a lovely reminder of the value of life – everyone’s life and the vital role you play in your little corner of the world and in the lives of those who love you.”  

What: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” adapted by Joe Landry, presented by Passion for Acting Theatre Company and WILLow LeaVes of Hope.
When: 6 p.m. December 8, 9, 15 and 16 (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Dinner at 6 p.m.; Show at 7 p.m.) and 1 p.m. December 10 and 17 (Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; Dinner at 1 p.m.; Show at 2 p.m.)
Where: WILLow LeaVes of Hope, 326 Jackson St. downtown Hope.
Cost: $35 per person – includes dinner and show.

** For more information, or to make reservations, call 812-341-7251. Keep up with the latest offerings by the Passion for Acting Theatre Company HERE and news at WILLow LeaVes HERE.