"I just let them tell the story every night. That me a sense of what the show was going to sound like as far as what the actors were doing with it," Phillipy says. "I could oftentimes close my eyes and just listen to the voices. Different ways of creating articulation was a challenge of working with those students." Most of this rehearsal process was done via Zoom due to COVID-19. "Pitch, volume, tempos, and rhythms, shaping the oral cavity can create different sounds. The actors emulate so many distinct voices and characters by manipulating voice variables, Phillipy explains.
Other than the actors who played George and Mary Bailey, it left three actors playing roughly 20 plus parts." The unique aspect of this particular production is I only had five actors, and they had to perform 25 different characters. "The one thing I constantly preach to our students is the most expressive tool we have as actors is our voice. "I teach voice and diction here at the university, as well as dialects and voice acting," Phillipy says.
Phillipy and the actors were able to work together prior to the rehearsal process in a classroom setting. She didn't come in until the last two or three rehearsals before we went to record it in the studio." The sound artist, Jillian, she's really another member of the cast in a lot of ways. A lot of the sound effects were done live in the radio studio there. "I think the other thing that's real exciting about this is to help enliven the world that we miss visually," Phillipy adds. is so timeless and such a classic because it has something to say for all of us, even here in 2020 and the cynical world we're living in right now." That was the other thing that I'm drawn to. But it's got a lot to say for our times, it really does. "One, because I think it's a chestnut, and everyone loves it. A radio format would allow COVID-friendly rehearsal and performances, and since the department rarely puts on a Christmas production, Phillipy knew they had to do It's a Wonderful Life. Phillipy grew up watching It's a Wonderful Life and carries the tradition on today. But it's pretty much straight up Clarence and Joseph watching the events of George Bailey's life unfold so Clarence can bring some divine intervention to help George in this hour of need." "There were obviously some cuts to the dialogue. "A lot of the dialogue is very similar," Phillipy explains. Those familiar with the story of George Bailey and Clarence Odbody can know what to expect with the MSU Theatre Department's upcoming radio play.
The enduring story of the idealistic George Bailey and the denizens of Bedford Falls, New York, will leave you feeling hopeful and deeply moved by the power of love and redemption." Now, there is a wonderful adaptation of the beloved Christmas film for the radio. Since its theatrical release in 1947, the film has been a "must-see" viewing for most American families on Christmas Eve. "Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is a true classic of the American Cinema. Assistant Professor of Theatre, Daryl Phillipy, speaks with Tracy Ross about the cast's COVID-friendly rehearsal process and upcoming performance. Enjoy.Murray State University's Theatre Department presents a radio rendition of the 1946 classic film It's a Wonderful Life this Thursday, December 10th. Thank you, Kristen, Heather, and Jennica for giving me this opportunity. Other companies I have designed with, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island The Gros Morne Theatre Festival, Rising Tide Theatre, The Mummers Troupe, CODCO, Magnus Theatre, 25th St House Theatre, Sunshine Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, The Firehall Arts Centre and Theatre One. Their contribution to the set onstage tonight, and to all the sets we build, is invaluable. I want to acknowledge the incredible talents and skills within Persephone Theatre’s production team: to Mark, to Ralph, to Bill, all with the leadership of Jody. (And happy an angel is finally getting their wings!) Other sets I have designed with Persephone Theatre are The Laramie Project, My Chernobyl, Mary’s Wedding, Neighborhood 3 and The Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble. The set for It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play has been a joy to design and I am pleased to share this with you.