A worthy tribute in 'Wonderful Life'

'It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play'
• RATING: ***½
• WHERE: Mainstage Theatre; California State University, Stanislaus; 1 University Circle, Turlock
• RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 10 minutes, including an intermission
• WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday
• TICKETS: $9-$12
• INFORMATION: 667-3166

When someone tells me they're staging a radio play, I immediately get a little skeptical.

Reading scripts at microphones can be an excuse to slack off on preparation and

simply phone in a performance.

Thankfully, that's not the case with "It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play" at California State University, Stanislaus. As directed by John Mayer and adapted by Philip Grecian, this production is a wonderful tribute to the 1946 holiday classic film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.

The show closely follows the movie's plot about a depressed banker who finds out with the help of an angel what life would have been like if he never had existed. Many of the lines are the same.

Eric Broadwater's attractive set pieces and Caroline Mercier's chic costumes are all black-and- white, in tribute to the film. Signs for Bedford Falls and town landmarks such as the bar and pharmacy hang suspended from the ceiling. The performers are dressed up as if they are going to a party.

It's fun to watch the sound effects being produced on stage. Students clink bottles together to simulate nightclub sounds, pick up shoes and pound them on a table for a dance and play piano for dramatic effect.

Kirk Arita, who stars as George Bailey, does an impressive job of imitating Stewart's manner of speaking. He and Candace Benavides, who plays love interest Mary, interact well in their romantic scenes.

Eric Braojos nearly steals the show with a variety of well-defined, often humorous characters — most memorably an Italian bar owner. It's funny watching tall, imposing Kavin Young Jr. play George's guardian angel Clarence and George's young son. Mia Carrick is sweet as George's friend Violet and stern as bank inspector Carter.

Not all the cast members are as successful in creating distinct voices for the different characters. Sometimes it can be hard to tell who is speaking. Those who don't know the film well may occasionally have a difficult time following the story, if they don't concentrate enough.

The show is strikingly relevant to current times because it deals with the Great Depression and economic struggles with people forced out of their homes. The play has an encouraging message about sticking together during tough times and valuing people over money.

What a great production to take the family to for the holidays.

For more on local arts, visit www.twitter.com/lisamillegan or thehive.modbee.com/artsbeat.