Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce its outdoor series continues with the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapted by Joe Landry. The production stars the theatre’s professional acting interns and plays on the new outdoor stage Dec. 4 – 6, 9 – 13, and 15 – 19. All performances begin at 7 p.m.
“We opened the outdoor stage earlier this month with a tribute to the golden age of musical theatre and audiences are raving,” said artistic director Greg Longenhagen. “We know this is a difficult and uncertain time, and our patrons’ health and safety are so important to us. Audience members feel safe watching theatre at a distance from one another and are grateful to be able to return to live theatre. The outdoor theatre is truly magical and It’s a Wonderful Life’is the perfect play to enjoy under the stars.”
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is an inventive and loving stage adaptation of the classic Frank Capra film. The play takes place in a 1940s radio station where a company of actors has gathered to tell the story of George Bailey and Clarence the Angel as a live radio broadcast. Audiences get to see and hear the sound effects produced live onstage as the cast plays all the iconic roles from the classic film.
Produced in partnership with its Education Department, Florida Rep’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” stars the 2020-2021 Professional Acting Intern Company, Patrick Agonito, Nayda Bayez, Emily Foley, Sarah Joyce, Matt Kelley, and Micah Weese. Education Director Kody C Jones and Assistant Education Director Christina DeCarlo direct the production and lead an expert creative team, including musical director Zeke Bocklage, set & lighting designer Tim Billman, costume designer Renee Baker, sound designer Katie Lowe, and stage manager Aaron Martin.
Attendance is limited in the new outdoor venue which is situated on Edwards Drive and Jackson Street on the lawn next to the Hall of Fifty States. Seating is socially distanced, and patrons sit in clearly marked 12′ × 12′ squares facing the Caloosahatchee River. Florida Rep provides seating, but patrons are permitted to bring their own lawn or beach chairs and blankets if the weather is cool.
Seating squares are six feet apart from one another and accommodate up to four people. The price per square ranges from $60 to $120 depending on its distance from the stage. Tickets and information are available at www.FloridaRep.org or by calling the Florida Rep Box Office at 239-332-4488.
Longenhagen continued, “the venue is totally outdoors, masks are required, social distancing will be enforced, and hand-sanitizing stations placed throughout, among other protocols. We encourage patrons to visit us online to read more about the safety precautions. For patrons who are still not comfortable venturing out, there are virtual and streaming options planned throughout the season. No matter what, we’re so excited to see you soon.”
Seating is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance, either online at www.FloridaRep.org or by calling 239-332-4488. Face coverings are required at all times, and the theatre will provide a mask to anyone who does not bring their own. To maintain health and safety protocols, the theatre will not serve concessions at this time, so audiences should plan to provide their own refreshments if they wish. Outdoor restroom facilities will be available as well as the restrooms inside the theatre lobby. However, any patron wishing to enter the Arcade Theatre Lobby must have their temperature checked before entry is granted.
Parking is free in the theatre’s lot on Bay Street between Jackson & Hendry. The outdoor stage and lawn seating is situated on the north east side of the Hall of Fifty States. Follow Florida Rep on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for the most up to date information about programming and how to support Florida Rep during this difficult time.
