‘On The Air With - It’s a Wonderful Life’ to be performed Dec. 13-15 in Ottawa

The Pop-Up Players, a nonprofit theater troupe, in conjunction with The Ottawa Masonic Occidental Lodge 40, announced three performances of a staged radio play presentation, “On The Air With - It’s A Wonderful Life.”

This 90 minute production promises some new twists on the beloved Frank Capra film classic. “It’s A Wonderful Life” is based on the short story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern.

The performance will take place 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, in the historic Grand Room of the Ottawa Masonic Lodge at 916 Columbus St. There will be no admission charge but free will donations are encouraged. All proceeds raised will be donated to local charities.

“On the Air With - It’s a Wonderful Life” features Marlee Reel, Emma Reel, Michelle Hainline, Jim Woodward, Isaac Alvarado, Nick Yanek, Jake Jakielski, Haevin Britt, Dan McKenzie, and is produced by Angie McKenzie.

Patrons of this production will first be introduced to the fictitious Chicago radio station “WHEW” and nine employees “punching the clock” on Christmas Eve, 1946 for what was then a brand-new yuletide offering. In a nutshell, that’s the premise of “On the Air with - It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“Bedford Falls” fully re-imagined as a radio broadcast – complete with retro costuming, commercials and live sound effects.

Multi-casting abounds including Streator’s Jim Woodward who portrays both villainous “Mr. Potter” and angel “Clarence Odbody.” He reflects upon the contrast of these two roles “without an antagonist there isn’t a story, and Potter’s calculus is a profit margin by any means. Clarence’s bottom line however, is saving a man’s soul and that is a complexity on the scale of astrophysics. I have to translate all of that into two characters while keeping an audience interested.”

Marlee Reel of Long Point voices no less than seven different “Bedford Falls” residents.

“It’s a challenge making all those voices sound different so the audience can determine what character they are listening to at the moment,” Marlee Reel said. “Plus, a story of selflessness like this one is always a good one to tell, kindness is everything!”

Morris native Michelle Hainline takes on the iconic role of “George Bailey’s” soon to be bride “Mary Hatch.” She doesn’t find it a stretch to relate.

“I too am a wife and mother who cares deeply for my family, and this character is the glue that holds everyone together, through good times and bad,” Hainline said. “This story proves especially at Christmas time, that money and gifts are not important. It’s the love one has towards their friends and family.”

“Violet Bick” the other love interest in “George Bailey’s” saga, is portrayed by Long Point’s Emma Reel and she has her own succinct take on why “It’s A Wonderful Life” has endured with the public for so long.

“In such a big world, we remember that our neighbors really do matter,” Emma Reel said. “Sometimes just doing your best by the people around you is truly a wonderful thing and a life well lived.”