By Carl Maronich
I don’t want to say I have been typecast as Uncle Billy in Acting Out Theatre Co.’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but I did have to call Acting Out’s Vice President Julie Gindy to be reminded when this blog was due. And yes, it was late.
The cast does have fun with me on this point. For example, after our first rehearsal this season, I left and returned from my car to the rehearsal space because I had forgotten my phone. “Oh, that’s Uncle Billy for you!” was one of the catcalls.
I was just grateful that I had not accidentally left my phone in a rolled up newspaper that I gave to fellow cast member Roger Jones, who plays mean, old Mr. Potter. As a method actor, Roger would have undoubtedly conspired with new cast member Reilly Roberts, who expertly plays bank examiner Sadie Vance, to keep my phone and ruin Bill Yohnka’s family business. Returning cast member Hannah Swale would have to rally all of Kankakee to get a new phone that would save the Yohnka family business. In the end, people would gather with dozens of phones and promises of even more phones, and Bill’s brother Bob would fly in and hoist a glass to his big brother and everyone would cheer, not remembering it was Uncle Billy’s forgetfulness that got everybody into this mess in the first place.
And then, in the story’s wonderful final scene, Lillian Hurt in her best Little ZuZU voice would say, “Teacher says, every time we change our ringtone, an angel gets a better phone plan!”
And Bill would say, “That’s right, that’s right, Atta boy, Jim Frels!”
Cue “Auld Lang Syne” and there will not be a dry eye in the house.
Now this bit of silliness takes some liberties with “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but the truth is this story continues to resonate with people. Having been lucky enough to be a part of Acting Out’s great productions of this radio play version of this classic since the beginning, I have seen audiences weep at the story of George Bailey and him getting the chance to see what the world would have been like if he was never born. I have seen cast member weep and I have been one of those weeping cast members, and not just because I could not find my car keys.
This is a powerful tale. It gives the audience the chance to think about their own lives and give thought to all people they have impacted, and like George Bailey, they hopefully come to realize there have been many. And I think many people leave feeling good about the world around them and their place in it.
But my real hope for everyone that comes to see the show is they leave with their phones, because I am telling you, Roger will keep it.
Now, where’s my wallet?
