Battlefords Community Players to stage Christmas classic Nov. 30

“It’s always a pleasure for us to be able to bring really solid storytelling to the Battlefords,” he said.

“If you can see it in New York City or if you can see it in major centres, why can’t you see it in the Battlefords?”

The script was adapted by Joe Landry from the film written by Frances Goodrich, Frank Capra, Albert Hackett and Jo Swerling and based on the book The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern. It was the first motion picture Capra and James Stewart (original George Bailey) made after both survived their service in WWII and the story was somewhat darker than their previous work.

“I think the underlying message in the story is that everybody has value,” Olson said of the tale that sees the everyday-man protagonist pushed to the brink and contemplates suicide.

“We all experience the ups and downs of life and the emotions and the little nuances that we find ourselves going through all the time. But this play reminds us that despite that, we all have value and if we weren’t a part of somebody’s life, there life would turn out different.”

The play is staged like a live 1940s-era radio broadcast and will be performed as such. The stage will be set up like a studio in front of a live audience and the cast of six will portray various roles, save the onstage foley artist (sound effects) and will be presenting the story like radio program masters of old.

According to Glen Rubidge (George Bailey) and Fraser Glen (various roles), rehearsals are going well, and Glen said he has history with the production and was “bowled over” when he first saw it performed at another theatre.

“I’m really happy. I’m honoured to be in it and I’m excited about doing it.”

Rubidge said one of the challenges of playing such an iconic character is trying to avoid certain vocal inflections.

“Mr. Stewart was the Christopher Walken of his generation and had a very distinctive voice. Avoiding that, avoiding any sort of impressionism,” he said.

Glen added that they are trying to evoke the 1940s atmosphere that the story came from.

“We’re familiar with the movie, the story – I think most people are – but the radio play gives it a different dynamic,” he said, adding it makes it easier to avoid mimicry.

Rounding out the cast and crew is Holly Briant, Crystal Gilbert, Clint Barrett, Marno Auchstaetter, Katherine Carroll and Donna Challis will serve as executive producer.

Olson wants the audience to come out and be swept back to a period of 1940s nostalgia.

“That really enhances the whole Christmas season I think,” he said.

“It was post-war, it was still the age of innocence, the movies that were being made still had very high moral value to them and again, it’s a pleasure to be able to bring that quality of entertainment to the community.”

The actors hope that the audience will take away the feeling of satisfaction with having heard the familiar lines and story but appreciating the way it was delivered.

Rubridge said he hopes they are “pleasantly surprised.”

“I want them to come in not knowing fully what to expect.”

It’s a Wonderful Life will run on: Nov 30, Dec. 1,2,7,8,9 as dinner theatre dates and $60, December 3 and 5 are show only at $30.

To order tickets, call 306-446-3133 or email: bcpdrama@sasktel.net.

For more information, visit: http://www.bcpdrama.com/.

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On X/Twitter: @jls194864

by Julia Lovett-Squires

Battlefords Community Players to stage Christmas classic Nov. 30

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