It’s A Wonderful Life is really a matter of perspective

Remember George Bailey, his wife Mary, Uncle Billy and Clarence the angel?  Is “It’s a Wonderful Life” part of your holiday tradition?

This year, as I was again entranced with George Bailey and his restoration of hope, I watched the show as if for the first time.  The actors at Taproot Theatre did a fabulous job!

Joe Landry’s adaptation of the movie takes place as a live radio play.

Remember your grandparents talking about sitting around the radio at night and listening to radio serial plays?

Remember the episode of Frasier where they tried to do a live radio play?  Everyone got mad at Frasier for being a control freak and Roz went to the dentist so “multiple murderers” came out “mubpubu murberbers”?

This is just as fun.

Wonderful Life features some top rate actors – Grant Goodeve and Mark Lund, but surprisingly, it was the support actors that made this play shine.  Jesse Noehelfer was delightful in her parts as Violet and Mrs. Bailey, but her best part was Zuzu, the Bailey daughter.  Alex Robertson nearly stole the show as Mr. Martini.  He also did a fabulous job as Clarence and one of the Bailey children.  Eric Riedmann not only played Harry Bailey, but did the sound effects throughout the play, from marching shoes to car doors slamming.  Candace Vance always brings an energy to the stage, and this play does not disappoint.  Bravo!

Do you want to see this play?  You’ll have to hurry.  Taproot is temporarily using  North Seattle Community College’s Stage One theatre, which has 60 fewer seats than their usual theatre, so you better sign up quick.  On December 2 & 9 they also have a special dinner theatre.  Check out their website for details.

 

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming

Taproot Theatre has put together their best performance of the year.  You could pay to go to Branson for this level of fun, or you could just mosey on over to Taproot for an evening filled with Old Time bluegrass/gospel music.

This new play is about two hours long.  It has 23 songs in it.  These actors are amazing, switching from instrument to instrument. 

• Edd Key plays so many instruments with skill!  He is outstanding.
• Candace Vance plays piano, accordion, and several other instruments.
• Theresa Holmes sings and plays stringed instruments.  Every other actor plays at least one instrument.
• David Anthony Lewis has a wonderful voice.
• Brent Ashton does a perfect job of stuttering and acting the young buck.
• Jenny Cross plays a very pregnant pastor’s wife and signs most of the songs.
• Kevin Brady is a fabulous physical actor.  He surprises and delights several times during the evening.

The performance touches on points of life for everyone, allowing us to cry, laugh, reflect, and rejoice.  We are moved right along with the family as they do one last performance before the adult children go their separate ways.  I needed a moment to relax, and from the very first, this performance pulled me right in.

Before we even reached intermission, my husband and I were making plans to come back and bring family.  We think this is one performance anyone who enjoys old time hymns, bluegrass or gospel music will love.

You can buy tickets at Taproot Theatre’s Website.

Around the World… and Back Again

Top to bottom: Alyson Scadron Branner, Ryan Childers and Nolan Palmer in Around the World in 80 Days. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.

Left to right: Ryan Childers, Andrew Litzky, Alyson Scadron Branner, Bill Johns and Nolan Palmer.

Left to right: Alyson Scadron Branner, Nolan Palmer and Ryan Childers in Around the World in 80 Days. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.

Left to right: Bill Johns, Andrew Litzky and Ryan Childers.

Taproot Theatre has put together a night of lighthearted fun!

Around the World in 80 Days actually has no balloon!  I always thought there was a hot air balloon involved.  Now I have to go read the story.  Instead, we have a story of fun and adventure – which could have been totally boring, but the actors stole the show!

Andrew Litzky played 18 parts in total!  He was so fun and inventive, that the audience actually cheered him on as he switched from character to character!

Ryan Childers was a stable force with really good physical ability.  Particularly in using his body to depict the various modes of transportation.

After seeing Nolan Palmer in Tuesdays with Morrie, I was excited to see him in another role, and he did not disappoint.  I think I would travel to another city to see Mr. Palmer act.  He is *that* good.

My favorite part of the play was the elephant, and you will have to go see the play to see what I mean…but I am still giggling.

I did notice two spots not up to Taproot’s recent levels of perfection.  Namely, Detective Fix (Bill Johns) rides a train much like a mule, and Ms. Scadron Branner had a bit of trouble maintaining her Indian accent for the first ’stop’ or two after she assumed that character.  Just opening weekend stuff, I’m sure.

Alyson Scadron Branner, is very fun early on in the play, and overall is a perfect match for the company.

Bill Johns maintains his character of Detective Fix well, while switching to 8 other characters throughout the play. This takes an incredible amount of skill – I couldn’t even figure out how they did some of the wardrobe changes, let alone the mental gymnastics!

Like I said, a very fun play, that is still making me giggle 4 days later.  If you need a walk on the lighter side (and who among us doesn’t right now?) I strongly recommend that you take the time to spend and evening with Taproot Theatre.

Late breaking news:  A preview is now available on YouTube. Check out the fun and hear reviews from other viewers.

You can buy tickets and learn more about the company at their website: Taproot Theatre.