B次元官网网址業tB次元官网网址檚 A Wonderful Life.B次元官网网址�

The mere mention of those four words together is enough to make people light up like a Christmas tree.

The Chemainus Theatre is going to a classic with a slight twist to spread Christmas cheer, starting Nov. 17 and running until Dec. 23.

But donB次元官网网址檛 get the wrong idea about B次元官网网址業tB次元官网网址檚 A Wonderful Life B次元官网网址� the Radio Play,B次元官网网址� says the theatreB次元官网网址檚 artistic director Mark DuMez.

B次元官网网址淭his is not a podcast,B次元官网网址� he emphasizes. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 anything but a podcast.B次元官网网址�

DuMez is directing the show, with the usual talented team behind the scenes for costumes, set design, lighting and sound.

All the beloved parts of the movie thatB次元官网网址檚 become one of the most compelling holiday stories of all time are there. It stays true to the original by incorporating ZuzuB次元官网网址檚 petals, B次元官网网址楨very Time A Bell Rings, An Angel Gets His WingsB次元官网网址� and other trademark lines and scenes.

ItB次元官网网址檚 just presented in a different fashion in this version adapted by Joe Landry, emulating the experience of a time when radio dramas brought families together.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a play and itB次元官网网址檚 a really good adaptation of B次元官网网址業tB次元官网网址檚 A Wonderful Life,B次元官网网址� stressed DuMez.

The story is well-known to most people. On a snowy Christmas Eve, after a lifetime of putting off his own plans in order to help others achieve their dreams, George Bailey hits his breaking point and thinks the world might have been better off without him. ThatB次元官网网址檚 where he was sadly mistaken. It takes a good-natured guardian angel named Clarence to show George the error of his ways with that thought and how his one small life made such a big impact on others. In the true spirit of the holidays, George realizes the precious gift of life and the value of family, community and love.

The play is set in a 1940s radio studio. A talented team of five actors covers the iconic roles of George & Mary Bailey, Clarence the angel, Mr. Potter and all the residents of Bedford Falls.

B次元官网网址淭he text is so clear and thereB次元官网网址檚 so many characters,B次元官网网址� pointed out DuMez. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 some great character work done by these actors.

B次元官网网址淭hey are in front of mikes for some of the time. ThereB次元官网网址檚 some fun commercials and a carol or two.B次元官网网址�

An amazing array of sound effects adds a nice storytelling element.

Each actor brings unique talents to the stage and some are making return engagements to the Chemainus stage. Kaden Forsberg, who was in B次元官网网址楥lassic Country RoadsB次元官网网址� in 2022 and B次元官网网址楴aked RadioB次元官网网址� earlier this year, returns to deliver the strength and vulnerability of George Bailey; Kate Dion-Richard, who was one of the Preston Rivulettes hockey stars in the story B次元官网网址楪loryB次元官网网址� in 2022 and also appeared in B次元官网网址楯eeves Takes A BowB次元官网网址� in 2017, brings the kindness and spunk of Mary Bailey to light; Abraham Asto had a role in B次元官网网址楳iracle On 34th StreetB次元官网网址� in 2019 and returns to portray the bumbling and odd Clarence Oddbody as well as numerous other characters; Scott Carmichael shines as radio show host Freddy Filmore; and Kirsten Van Ritzen completes the cast, playing characters of all ages from little Zuzu to George BaileyB次元官网网址檚 mother.

Asto, whoB次元官网网址檚 originally from Toronto but now lives in Vancouver, has done up to 17 characters in a play before so only taking on 14 in this one will be well within his capabilities.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 A Wonderful Life is actually my favourite Christmas movie,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 hard to disassociate how itB次元官网网址檚 done on film. The audience will love it.B次元官网网址�

Dion-Richard, 39, has numerous stage, film and television performances to her credit.

B次元官网网址淚 like the balance,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 love the theatre. ItB次元官网网址檚 my first love.B次元官网网址�

Dion-Richard, who lives in Steveston, honed her skills in the UVic acting program and in London, England at the Central School of Speech and Drama.

B次元官网网址淚 grew up as a dancer,B次元官网网址� she added. B次元官网网址淚 evolved organically. I grew up going to the theatre.B次元官网网址�

Dion-Richard said she knew about ItB次元官网网址檚 A Wonderful Life, but did not grow up watching it.

B次元官网网址淚 know it is such a timeless classic B次元官网网址� what a beautiful and important story,B次元官网网址� she emphasized.

As Mary, Dion-Richard knows she has big shoes to fill.

B次元官网网址淢y goal is really to just find her strength and heart,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淪he supports George in a passionate and forward-thinking way. She just really loves him.B次元官网网址�

DuMez is looking forward to the wonderful feeling that will flow from this show at the most wonderful time of the year.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 really excited about this piece,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 sure itB次元官网网址檚 going to get sweeter and sweeter as we approach the 25th.B次元官网网址�

For ticket information, click .