Enjoy a Heartwarming 1940s Christmas Experience, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, in Heber City’s Timpanogos Valley Theater

By Emily Lawrence
It’s that time of year! Timpanogos Valley Theater and its second annual production of It’s a Wonderful
Life: A Live Radio Play invite you to take a moment away from Amazon package deliveries, Hallmark
movie marathons, secret gift wrapping sessions, and obligatory office holiday parties, to imagine a time
when the most anticipated form of entertainment was gathering in the living room, by the radio set, and
listening as a family to radio dramas rich with music, sound effects, and advertising jingles. In the 1940s,
news and entertainment broadcast was still largely auditory rather than visual, and a lot of work went
on in real life to create a radio experience. TVT transforms into a bustling broadcasting studio, KTVT, as
one of the most beloved Christmas stories unfolds.

Joe Landry’s adaptation of the 1946 It’s a Wonderful Life film version, starring James Stewart, is a
clever way to present a dual storyline in one cozy atmosphere. Watch the extra layer of talent as actors simultaneously perform their 1940s radio station voice actor roles as well as their various assigned characters in the It’s a Wonderful Life plot. You’re privy to a fun, cheerful office environment of coworkers interacting in the background as each of them seamlessly hops up to the microphone and embodies a range of characters from children to the elderly. For example, in her stage debut, Jessica Turner-Neumann gets to play a cranky old lady and darling Zuzu Bailey, among other roles. She’s funny and effective.

Nathan Moulton is relatable as the idealistic George Bailey who gives up his personal dreams to fill
needs in his family and community. Playing alongside his talented wife Christie Moulton, as Mary
Hatch, N. Moulton’s reluctant but irreversible moment of falling in love is truly something you won’t
forget. The Moultons are a complete, dazzling package in this production, as their daughter Evelyn
Moulton joins them onstage, through a couple vocal numbers and a special tap performance.
Bo Walker, an actual modern day radio legend in real life, guides the show as KTVT’s announcer, among
other characters. He skillfully adapts his voice each time. Robyn Laine’s variety of voices is probably the
most robust and hilarious in the entire production. You can easily hear her, and you’ll easily laugh.
Voices aren’t the only storytellers in this production. Keep an eye and an ear on stage right as Foley
Artist Jared Wright and his assistant E. Moulton create authentic radio sound effects with homemade
devices and funny antics. The wind machine, cornflakes, and tiny door are especially fun. Wright’s
infant coos are a crowd favorite.

David Burrow’s portrayal of Clarence, the angel out to earn his wings, is adorable. Portraying the
greedy and selfish Mr. Potter is an act of irony for Gary Harter, who in actuality spent an inordinate
amount of time and resources creating the authentically vintage set and several key prop pieces,
including the impressive “On Air” and “Applause” signs.
The set is a true masterpiece of community theater: including painted wall panels and vintage hanging
light fixtures that actually came from the building’s ceiling renovation, vintage pieces found locally such
as a charming red stool and large wooden speaker, plus a piano rental donated by a local company,
Redmond.

Kristen Hughes does a marvelous job outfitting the entire cast in subtle, classy, 1940s holiday garb.
Everyone’s shoes looked especially fashionable. Music Director Aly Heywood’s costume is an authentic
WAC uniform from WWII, donated anonymously to TVT. She models it beautifully while accompanying
the entire show from piano, stage left, alongside other talented musicians Dallin Koecher, Sarah
Cutting, Jenson Finney, and Matthew Blood.
Other notable moments to look out for are Amy Nattress Asay’s sassy, flirtatious gestures as Violet Bick,
advertising jingles by the entire cast, and other musical numbers sprinkled in as breaks from the main
radio drama.

What rings true and prevalent throughout the entire 80-minute, no-intermission experience, is Director
Tom Hughes’ vision and message. He reminds us that greatness isn’t only found in headlines and heroic
deeds. As said in his Director’s Notes, “Sometimes, and I think more often, a lifetime of small acts of
kindness are what add up to greatness. We all know great people and we can all become great people if
we are willing to simply treat others well, day in and day out.” Indeed, consistent kindness and
generosity are the tickets to realizing that, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Your tickets to this production can be found online or at the Box Office.
Timpanogos Valley Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Life Radio Play, by Joe Landry
Timpanogos Valley Theatre, 90 N 100 W, Heber City, UT 84032
December 9-22, 2022, 7:00 PM
Tickets: $10 Adult, $8 Child, $8 Group of 6+
Timpanogos Valley Theatre Official Website
Timpanogos Valley Theatre Facebook Page