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Robin Conklin
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Buy Tickets Now for “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at the Carousel Theater

KNOXVILLE –The angel gets his wings when the heartwarming “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” runs December 2-19, 2010 in the Clarence Brown Theatre’s Carousel Theater.  The production is sponsored by Schaad Companies.  Media sponsors are WBIR, WNOX, Comcast, WUOT, WUTK, Knoxville News Sentinel and B97.5.

The classic Frank Capra film is re-told in the format of a 1940’s radio show, complete with man-made sound effects, old-style commercials and live music. An ensemble of performers bring the more than 40 characters of this beloved holiday favorite to life.

“Audiences will be transported to a classic radio station in New York during December of 1946 thanks to the wonderful design elements created by the Clarence Brown design and technical staff.  Sophisticated and classic costumes of the period will be complimented by a charming and seasonal set that will allow the audience to feel as though they are taking part in this live radio broadcast as members of the studio audience," said director Bill Jenkins.

Great fun for the whole family, this timely play is a wonderful holiday treat.

“While the journey of George Bailey is certainly an iconic and classic holiday story, the issues and goals that he espouses within the play are deeply relevant today.  The idea that we as a society must strive to help those who are less fortunate is an important message to remember during the holiday season.  Further, how we measure our success or failure in the world should not be based on how much money we make but, rather, on how many people we impact and touch during our lives.  George is a true reminder of the humanity and self sacrifice needed to function within our constantly evolving society,” Jenkins said.

Bill Jenkins is Chair of Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance where he serves as an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre, Directing, and Acting. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in directing from Illinois State University, and also holds a Masters and Bachelors degree from Ball State University in speech communications and acting. In addition to directing at Ball State, he also has directed in such theaters as the Drury Lane Theatre, Noble Fool Theatricals, Famous Door Theatre Company, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Summer Studio Theatre Company at the Krannert Center, and the Nebraska Repertory Theatre.  

The cast is comprised of visiting guest artists, UT faculty actors and UT Theatre Acting students.

Frank D. Nall (Freddie Filmore) is a visiting guest artist from Chicago.  There he performed at Artistic Home Theatre and the Famous Door Theatre where he received a Joseph Jefferson nomination for best actor in “Ghetto.” His TV and Film Credits include: CNN Reporter in Tony Scott’s film “Spygame,” Brawler in “Early Edition” and several others.

Steve Schine (Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood) also is based in Chicago where he has performed with The Goodman Theatre, Piven, Famous Door, Raven, American Theatre Company, Strawdog, The Journeymen, Vet Art Project, and A Red Orchid Theatre, where he is an Artistic Associate. He also performed with Lakeside Shakespeare (Michigan) and Abingdon Theatre (NYC). He is a graduate of Illinois State University and studied at HB Studios in New York City.

Wendy Mortimer (Sally Applewhite) is an Associate Professor at Ball State University where she teaches voice and acting. She performed in the CBT’s “A Flea in Her Ear” and served as dialect coach for “A Streetcar Named Desire.” She received her MFA from the University of Washington’s Professional Actor Training Program.

David Brian Alley (Jake Laurents/George) is in his 11th season as an Artist-in-Residence and member of the UT Theatre Department Acting faculty. He holds an MFA in Performance and a BA in Theatre from UT, as well as an AA in Acting from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  He has appeared at the PlayMakers Repertory, The Mark Taper Forum and the ImprovOlympic Theatre. David also has several film and television credits.

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