Director’s note:
Frank Capra’s classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life, has always been one of my favorites and I look forward to watching it every winter holiday season. A few years ago, I saw an advertisement for the Patchogue Theater’s production of, It’s a Wonderful Life; A Live Radio Play, and I was intrigued. So, I bought a ticket and I loved the show as much as the movie! I knew this was something that Herricks should do. This staged show has become a very popular one for theaters around the country to produce and some even use it as their Annual Winter Season show.
In the wise words of Clarence; Angel Second Class, “Strange, isn’t it? One man’s life touches so many others. And when he isn’t around, he leaves a pretty big hole, doesn’t he?” It takes a village to put on a show and I have many people to thank. First I want to thank Anissa Arnold for making this happen. As the producer she oversees everything, organizes, stomps out fires, and puts together a terrific team. Thank you Jean Hill for listening and helping in too many ways to list. Thank you to Rob Gioia for the advice, support, and unbelievable workshops on, and help with, the foley (staged sound effects). Because of you the cast learned about the history of sound effects and how it is still used today, plus we have great live sound effects for our show. Thanks to Scott Stickley for the sound advice (pun intended). Thank you to Rob Krakhel for the sets and all the support. Thank you to Michael Reilly - this year’s S.O.S. (Save Our Show) for stepping in at the last minute as our lighting designer. More thank you’s; Allison Zebrowski, Terry Gomez, Andrew Cormack, the high school and community center custodians, the high school administration, and my husband for schlepping all the furniture and props, and for his understanding and patience!
The students have worked very hard on this project and I am so proud of each of them. I hope that you enjoy the show as much as we have enjoyed putting it on for you.
Laura Latham, Director
