Rosebud Theatre brings Christmas classic to life
By Mario Prusina Times Editor
A beloved Christmas story about hope, gratitude and the impact one person can have on a community is coming to the stage at Rosebud Theatre this holiday season.
Rosebud Theatre & School of the Arts will present It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, reimagining the classic Christmas tale through the style of a 1940s radio broadcast.
Inspired by the golden age of radio, the production brings the familiar story to life through voice acting, live sound effects and imagination, with a cast of seven performers portraying dozens of characters.
The story follows George Bailey, a man questioning the value of his life and wondering whether the world would be better off without him. His perspective begins to change following an unexpected encounter with Clarence Oddbody, an angel who helps George recognize the difference he has made in the lives of others.
The production combines the story’s heartfelt message with retro charm, humour and Christmas spirit.
Making his Rosebud Theatre debut is Calgary-based actor Robert Klein. He will be joined by Rosebud veterans Aaron Krogman and Mike Theissen, along with Rosebud School of the Arts graduates Lacey Edwards and Juliet Alexander. Fourth-year acting students Kaila Martin and Amelia Bradford round out the cast.
Rosebud Theatre & School of the Arts Artistic Director Craig Hall will direct the production. The creative team includes Anton DeGroot on set design, Narda McCarroll on lighting, Joy Robinson on sound and composition, and Amy Castro on costumes.
The show runs approximately 95 minutes without an intermission.
The production is part of Rosebud Theatre’s holiday offerings, with the organization also launching its first Christmas Village, running Nov. 20 to Dec. 23.
The village will feature activities including skating, hayrides, a Christmas light installation and a nativity creche, providing visitors with additional opportunities to enjoy the holiday season in the community.
Tickets for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, including the buffet meal, are $105 for adults, $75 for youth and $65 for children.
For tickets and performance information, visit RosebudTheatre.com or call 1-800-267-7553.