44 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 23-29, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com ONSTAGE In 1943, Philip Van Doren Stern wrote a story called “The Greatest Gift,” inspired by the 1843 Charles Dickens novella, A Christmas Carol. The next step was the all-American feel-good Christmas movie by Frank Capra—It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), with James Stewart as George Bailey, a bright young man who sacrifices his personal dreams for the sake of the family and his small-town community. The film is still the most popular and beloved version. But it was the 2006 radio version, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry, that took the tale from screens onto community stages all over the nation. And it’s that version that is currently playing at The Western Stage. The play takes us back to a fictional 1940s radio station, WBFR in Manhattan. Younger audience members will get to see a traditional Foley table—perhaps the most exciting element of the performance, where most of the script’s sound effects are created mechanically. The cast of 12 portray more than 30 distinct characters, which might be confusing if one is not familiar with the plot. Andres Ortiz is a perfect George Bailey. George’s love interest and future wife Mary is played by a charming Amanda Cardoso. The announcer, the story’s antagonist Mr. Potter, and assorted other characters are played by Western Stage Artistic Associate Jeffrey T. Heyer. The notso-perfect angel Clarence, who is sent to Earth to stop George from killing himself on a Christmas Eve, is Paul McCormack. The play is directed by James M. McLean; the music director is Don Dally. While the cast certainly delivers, it’s hard not to notice cultural anachronisms that—even though the story is set in the ’40s—Landry should have perhaps reconsidered in 2006. For example, Mary is described as ripe for marriage at the age of 18 (which is not a common life choice for contemporary women that age). Also, from the modern vantage point, it is not clear that sacrificing your personal dreams for the sake of raising children should be perceived as the only moral choice. Still, these choices of Landry’s aside, the show is great fun. It’s a Wonderful Life 7:30pm Saturdays, 2pm Sundays through Dec. 3. The Western Stage Mainstage Theater in the Hartnell College Performing Arts Center (Building K), 411 Central Ave., Salinas. $12-$30. 755-6816, westernstage.com. All patrons are required to wear masks. RICHARD GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY It’s a Wonderful Act The Western Stage’s rendition of It’s a Wonderful Life may reveal some cultural anachronisms, but it’s also great fun. By Agata Pop˛eda Jeffrey T. Heyer (Joseph, superintendent of angels) and Paul McCormack (Clarence, the angel who’s yet to earn his wings) are analyzing the life of George Bailey. Showroom DiSplayS for Sale 70% OFF! Cabinets • Appliances • Hardware Accessories • Decorative Plumbing Visit our showroom Monday-Friday 10am-4pm 1096 Canyon Del Rey Blvd Seaside www.ksmonterey.com P.S. We are NOT going out of business! Inquiries: please email info@ksmonterey.com or call (831) 899-3303 FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 LIVE MUSIC Wednesdays 5–7:30pm Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs & cats. Microchipping. Prescription flea/tick medication. Open Sat 3:30pm-5:30pm • Sun 10am-1pm TMC No Milo poultry feed 75lb bag 16% Protein! 101 W. Laurel Dr, Salinas • (831)443-6161 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm $5 OFF Any purchase of $25 or more $10 OFF Any purchase of $50 or more $20 OFF Any purchase of $100 or more CAnnot be Combined with other offers. Limit 1 Coupon per Customer. not vALid on hAy shAvings, frontLine/AdvAntAge, or seresto CoLLArs. must present Coupon At time of purChAse. New Product Alert! Quality feed & pet supplies • DIY dog & cat vaccines • Premium hay at great prices
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