Information provided by Governors State University
UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. (November 18, 2023) – The Governors State University Center for Performing Arts is excited to announce two upcoming holiday productions: the beloved classic It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play running December 1–3 and Lightwire Theater’s mesmerizing A Very Electric Christmas on December 9 at 1 and 4 p.m. These delightful tales are filled with heartwarming stories, captivating performances, and festive cheer that are perfect for the entire family.
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Rediscover the magic of Frank Capra’s timeless masterpiece, It’s a Wonderful Life, in a fun and immersive way. With the help of an ensemble led by the Center’s staff, this live radio play adaptation takes you back in time to the 1940s, where you become part of a live studio audience attending a radio broadcast of this beloved holiday tale. Experience the nostalgia of classic radio theatre as actors bring George Bailey, Clarence the angel, and the residents of Bedford Falls to life. The Center Stage will be transformed into a vintage radio studio, complete with a Foley artist creating sound effects right before your eyes. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming story of George Bailey and his guardian angel Clarence as they remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and the power of community. This heartwarming production promises to rekindle your love for the holiday season.
The cast for the show is as follows: ANDREW DICKSEN – George; WHITNEY MINARIK – Mary; TRACEY OFFETT – Stage Manager, Zuzu, and Binky; GARY FELICETTI – Announcer, Gower, Dr. Campbell, and Bridge Keeper; ZION BANKS – Rose Bailey; KEVIN KOHN – Harry, Sam, Ernie, Pete, Schultz, Tommy, Horace the Teller, and Nick; JEFF PATTAWI-GAMLIN – Clarence, Bert, Billy, Peter Bailey, Martini, and Charlie; MAYA SHELTON – Violet, Matilda, Janie, Ruth, and Sadie; CRAIG FRANK – Potter, Old Man Collins; TRACEY WILLIAMS – Joseph; EILEEN CASEY – Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Hatch, Female Vocalist in Commercials; TIM CASEY – Ed, Man, Mr. Welch, Cop, Sheriff, and Male Vocalist in Commercials; LAUREN HEALY – Foley Artist; JEFF OTTO – Pianist and Musical Director
Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas
Lightwire Theater returns to the Center with their modern holiday fairytale, A Very Electric Christmas. This electrifying performance combines the art of puppetry, dance, and cutting-edge technology to create a visually stunning experience for all ages. As the lights dim and the stage comes alive, watch as this captivating tale of family, friendship and hope comes to life to the tune of timeless holiday hits, from legendary artists such as Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and Tchaikovsky.
Lightwire Theater, known for their appearances on popular television shows like America’s Got Talent, has wowed audiences around the world with their creative storytelling and technological innovations of moving light characters.
As an additional treat from the Center, join us for at our Electric-CENTERic Holiday Party between A Very Electric Christmas showtimes, an afternoon filled with festive cheer, delightful crafts, and delicious indulgence at our Hot Cocoa station, sponsored by the GovState Alumni Association. Don’t miss out on the chance to strike a pose with our selfie machine, complete with fun photo booth props. Get your groove on at our Glow Stick Dance Party and dance like nobody’s watching! Pictures with Santa, a Holiday Raffle, and more surprises await. All are included with your ticket to A Very Electric Christmas. Bring the whole family for a jolly good time!
Tickets and showtimes
It’s a Wonderful Life showtimes
- Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $35; $20 for students and children 14 and under. Available at www.govst.edu/ItsAWonderfulLife.
A Very Electric Christmas showtimes
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Tickets: $29-44; $20 for students and children 14 and under.
An Electric-CENTERic Holiday Party (2 – 3:30 p.m.) — FREE to all A Very Electric Christmas Ticketholders
Tickets available at www.govst.edu/VeryElectricXmas2023.
The Center for Performing Arts is located at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois.
