Old-fashioned radio play

It’s a Wonderful Life (Canadian Stage/Bluma Appel) — The Frank Capra film is an annual holiday tradition in many homes. People don’t just watch it for Jimmy Stewart: it’s a great story that celebrates relationships and community over fame, fortune and travel. This version of the story is actually adapted from a radio play, and the 10 actors in the ensemble will together play 63 parts. The sound effects, performed live onstage, will be of a distinctly old-school radio style. Canadian Stage has made a smart move by casting the charming and funny Patrick McKenna as Clarence Bailey and Mike Shara of Queer As Folk fame as George Bailey. Nicole Underhay, who recently got a Dora for her work in Fire, plays Mary Bailey. This promises to have a lot of old-fashioned charm, not to mention great performances. Runs from November 24 to December 30 at the Bluma Appel Theatre, 27 Front Street E. Tickets are available at the theatre’s box office, at 416-368-3110 or www.canstage.com.