Staff Reports

Jackson County Community Theatre will open the doors of Royal Off-the-Square Theatre in Brownstown for the first time this year when “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” begins Dec. 3.

In this well-known story of George Bailey, who is rich in all of the important things in life except luck, George is contemplating ending his life on a fateful Christmas Eve until an unlikely angel named Clarence Oddbody intervenes.

This adaptation by Joe Landry takes place in a 1940s era radio studio, complete with an array of period sound effects. Five actors play all of the 40-odd characters.

Greg Simons, John Boyken, MaryAnna Moore, Erin Moore and Evan Rohlfing take the roles of the radio actors. Connie Hardaway plays the piano for the commercial break songs, which are sung by the actors. “Foley” artists, played by Mariah Dillon and Daniel Main, concoct a large variety of low-tech but realistic sound effects.

Stephanie Sunderman plays the onstage part of the radio show stage manager and also is the sound technician. John Hardaway is director, and Sarah McGill is production manager. Set artwork was done by Joe Reynolds, and Joel McGill is in charge of set construction.

In order to safely social distance audience members, tickets are on sale only by phone at 812-358-5228. They are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

At the direction of the Jackson County Health Department, only 35 to 40 patrons will be seated at each performance in order to provide safe distancing.

To help accommodate more patrons, JCCT has added extra performances. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the theater, 121 W. Walnut St., Brownstown.

All recommendations of the health department will be followed, including the mask requirement. Should the county’s COVID-19 color turn to red, the show will be canceled, and refunds for ticket purchases will be made promptly. In that case, JCCT hopes to provide a streaming video of the show.