... from the Director:
The last time I directed a play was Barefoot In The Park for the Chautauqua
Company back in the late eighties. If memory serves me correctly that was the
last play presented by Chautauqua, hopefully that will not be the case here.
Having been in radio for over 40 years the idea of doing a radio play appealed to
me. In keeping with a Christmas theme, It’s A Wonderful Life was a natural
choice. I also wanted to bring in the live radio shows of the 30s thru the mid 50s
along with a little bit of Garrison Keillor. That is what the first act is all about. You
will find music, comedy and even some commercials. I wrote most of the first act
minus the music with the help of Dan O’Brien, Jami Lynn Lewis, Bill Kaegy, and
Dan Fleischer. If you find something you don’t like chances are they wrote it.
Music Director Jacob Smetters has put together some great music and we have
brought in a couple of local group favorites. When you know nothing about music
you need someone you can count on. Thanks to Jacob for all his hard work.
I have had a lot of fun doing this. The cast has been great to work with.
Carlinville is fortunate to have the Summer Repertory Theatre and the talent they
bring to the stage with each performance. You will soon see what I am talking
about.
Special thanks to the following…..Dan Fleischer who has done this many times
before and as my assistant director and stage manager has made my job so much
easier. The Summer Repertory Board who have worked hard to make this
production possible. Marge Deffenbaugh who brought me back to the stage
when I retired from WLDS-WEAI. To my wife, Jennifer, who checked all the
spelling so the cast could read what I wrote.
I hope you enjoy the show.
- Don Hamilton
... from the Executive Director:
2015 has been a difficult year in the news and for many personally. One lesson we have learned from these and other tragedies is that the best answer to evil is not just to survive, but to THRIVE! We come together in this production to celebrate the lives we lead, the blessings we've been granted, and the relationships we cherish. We pray for peace. We celebrate good. Let us embrace each other and not let a day go by where we are not acting out of love.
- Dan Fleischer
