Theatre West stalwarts bring radio version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” to Lincoln City Cultural Center

By Oregon Coast TODAY

Step back into the golden age of radio as Theatre West brings “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” to the Lincoln City Cultural Center stage on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13.

Directed by Lewis Smith, the heartwarming production blends nostalgia, live sound effects and period music for a spirited retelling of the classic holiday story.

Smith traces the inspiration for the show to a moment years ago when he was cast as George Bailey in a San Francisco Bay Area production. While learning the role, he found himself captivated not by the performance in front of him, but by the director working the foley table in the wings. The art of creating sound with handmade props stayed with him, eventually inspiring him to stage the radio play himself after moving north and joining Theatre West.

When he first directed the show in 2017, its growing popularity soon required a bigger venue and room for live musicians. With the support of former executive director Niki Price, Smith moved the production to the cultural center in 2018. The show returned in 2019, 2023 and again this season, each year expanding its signature mix of charm and creativity.

Live music has become a central part of the experience. Smith recruited musician and former Lincoln Pops Orchestra band leader John Bringetto to develop 1940s-style interludes, now performed with a small ensemble. Their warm, period-inspired arrangements help set the tone before the show and guide transitions between scenes.

A dedicated core of performers from that first 2017 cast still anchors the production: Wes Ryan, Bryan Kirsch, Steve Griffiths, Robin Kirsch, Tricia Chandler and Smith himself. Their continuity gives the show its familiar camaraderie.

Ryan, whose real-life radio career dates back to the era the play evokes, brings authenticity through his professionalism and distinctive voice. Smith recalls seeing Ryan perform in “I Hate Hamlet” shortly after moving to the coast and knew immediately he wanted to work with him.

This year’s production continues to celebrate the craft of storytelling not only through dialogue but through every creak, clatter and footstep made live on the foley table. Handmade props – including a miniature wooden door built by Kirsch — help bring Bedford Falls to life.

“It’s nostalgic, funny and deeply moving all at once,” Smith said. “Audiences get to see how the magic happens, right in front of them.”

•  Friday’s performance begins at 7 p.m., with additional shows on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students and $10 for kids. For more information and tickets, go to www.lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.