October 3, 2022

By Megan Hutchinson
Student Writer

Do you want the experience of stepping into a 1940s radio station as the live audience? Then you won’t want to miss Faith Baptist Bible College’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” This year’s fall drama will take place on November 11 and 12 at 7 p.m., as well as a matinee performance at 1 p.m. on November 11.

You may be familiar with the original film It’s a Wonderful Life, but get ready to witness a different take on the story as you watch the characters perform it as a live radio production in a Christmas Eve setting. When they go live on air, “It’s a Wonderful Life” finds the story of George Bailey in Bedford Falls.

“We’re finding George discontented where he’s at in life,” explained director Alyssa Hathcock, “and he feels very stuck. We go back in time and you see George grow up and all the opportunities that he’s had to get out of the ‘sleepy little town;’ however, something always stops him. The majority of the time, what stops him is doing something for someone else. You’re finding him in a position where he’s just stuck in life and feels like there’s nowhere else for him to go.” She believes people will relate to it well because it’s a story of wanting more than what you have, yet realizing that usually what we have is really good and we can use it for good, especially if we’re serving others with it and showing them the love of Christ.

David Giegerich takes on the infamous role of George Bailey, although it was not the easiest role to decide. “In initial auditions, I listened a lot to voices because it’s a radio show, so the physical look isn’t as important as the voice and what you can do with your voice,” said Alyssa. “For David, it was one of those moments where he read for it, I could see the potential he had. He’s so teachable and fun to work with, and I know he’s going to do a good job and work hard to figure out who George Bailey is. He just has that certain quality about him; I see the potential to push that further and become George Bailey.”

Through the fun and entertainment of the night, a powerful reminder is evident for the cast and audience. Alyssa explains:

“In this story, you see somebody who’s been doing good, but they’ve been serving and loving other people their whole lives and they feel stuck, tired, and trapped. At the end of the story, you see all these people he’s helped and impacted throughout his life come back and do things for him because they’re so thankful.”

It’s easy for people to feel discouraged and worn out from their long-lasting service. The cast verse that Alyssa is using for this semester is Galatians 6:9, which says ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.’” For the cast specifically, she’s wanting to see God work in them, encouraging them to be looking for ways to serve other people over the course of the semester.

Alyssa encourages everyone to watch the play because it will surely be a night to remember. It’s not quite like a regular play where there’s a ton of movement on stage, but it will engage and connect with the audience, and they will be able to watch the classic Christmas tale unfold from a new perspective.

Mark your calendars for November 11 and 12, 2022! Bring your family and friends, and prepare for a night of fun and Christmas cheer!