Lyceum Theatre Closes 2009 Season with IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

LYCEUM THEATRE CLOSES 2009 SEASON WITH A HOLIDAY CLASSIC NOVEMBER 14-22

October 29 - (Arrow Rock) The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre proudly presents It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, November 14 - 22. Author, Joe Landry, has inventively adapted Frank Capra's classic film to the stage, re-inventing it as a live 1940's radio broadcast. Set in fictional radio station, WBFR, in New York City on Christmas Eve, five savvy "studio" actors employ their vocal talents and live radio sound effects to bring the familiar residents and environs of Bedford Falls to life. Turn back the clock to 1946 and become an active part of this nifty spin on a perennial holiday favorite which hearkens back to the golden age of radio. Perfect for the whole family, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is a fresh and inventive way to rediscover the much-loved celluloid tale of George Bailey's journey of self-worth.

Five Matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. on November 15, 18, 19, 21 and 22. Four evening performances at 8:00 p.m. on November 14, 18, 20 and 21. For tickets visit the website at www.lyceumtheatre.org or call 660-837-3311.

Making his Lyceum Theatre debut is Jacob H. Knoll playing the part of George Bailey. Graduating with a MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster University, Jacob's many stage credits include Ivanov in Ivanov at the Miscreant Theatre in NYC, and Hamlet in Hamlet at the Gorilla Rep, NYC. Mr. Knoll recently appeared on Flight of the Conchords (HBO) and The Electric Company (PBS).

Playing the role of Mary Hatch is New York actress Liz Ali. Liz made her Lyceum debut earlier in the 2009 season in the musicals Hairspray, Annie and Hello, Dolly! Ms. Ali's other credits include Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Shelby in Spitfire Grill and Sally in Me and My Girl.

Portraying the remainder of the female cast is Anne Marie Bills, last seen on the Lyceum stage in Hairspray, Annie and Hello,Dolly! Returning for his second season at the Lyceum Theatre, Ames Adamson will assume the voices of many characters including Mr. Gower, the druggist, and that infamous "scurvy spider" Mr. Potter. Ames debuted on the Lyceum stage as Charlie in On Golden Pond and Mr. Paravicini in The Mousetrap. Lyceum Artistic Director, Quin Gresham plays a variety of characters including Sam Wainwright and Clarence Oddbody, the angel sent to help George Bailey.

Directing It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will be Peter Bennett whose Lyceum credits include Foxfire, The Glass Menagerie, Kiss Me Kate and On Golden Pond. New York directing credits include the original production of Passion of Dracula which ran for two years and won the Soho News Annual Arts Award for Best Direction.

The production team for It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play includes: Randy B. Winder, Scenic and Light Designer; Garth Dunbar, Costume Designer and Emilee Buchheit, Production Stage Manager. Original music and musical arrangements by Kevin Connors.