GNHS Students to Present Holiday Radio Show

In the tradtion of those great old time radio shows, the Grayslake North High School Theatre Company will perform a reading of the holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life" at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Black Box Theatre.

Tickets are just $5, with proceeds going to help the students pay to attend the 3-day Illinois High School Theatre Festival at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in January.

"It really means a lot to the kids to be able to cut their costs of the trip, so the more we can get the word out the better," said theater manager Teslen Sadowski of the holiday radio show fundraiser.

"It's a really good experience," said sophomore Travis Ritchie, who previously participated in the festival.

Ritchie plays dual roles in the radio show — Peter and Harry Bailey. He said it's a challenge to ensure each character stands out as an individual, though he's partial to playing Harry because "he has the funny lines."

Junior Kasia Dudek said she enjoys portraying Violet Bick because "she's flirty, like Marilyn Monroe."

The students have been rehearsing throughout the week. The Black Box Theatre is the perfect venue for a "radio" show, they said.

"It's impossible to have your back to the audience," said junior Pauline Moll, who portrays the radio show's stage manager as well as reads the parts of Ruth Bailey, Nick.

Sophomore Elizabeth Woodruff, who portrays Young Violet Bick and Dr. Campbell, calls the theater set-up "Shakesperean."

"You're more in touch with the audience," she said.

For ticket information, call the box office at (847) 986-3340.

Cast

JC Amezquita as Clarence

Kristen Arcus as Binky, Young Mary and Pete

Lily Bielinski as Tommy

Bailey Bowers as Young Harry, Mr. Welch, and Janie

David Braun as Joseph

Kasia Dudek as Violet Bick

Samuel Dummer as George Bailey

Emily Ehret as Ed and Zuzu

Sofia Fey as Ernie and Sam Wainwright

McKensie Finan as Old Man Collins and Mrs. Hatch

Lexi Gutierrez as Young George and Horace the Teller

Joanne Juenger as Freddie Fillmore, Martini and Bert

Pauline Moll as the Stage Manager, Ruth and Nick

Alan Mullegger as Henry F. Potter

Amanda Platt as Mary

Travis Ritchie as Peter Bailey and Harry Bailey

Elizabeth Woodruff as Young Violet and Dr. Campbell

Alyssa York as Matilda, Bridge Keeper and Cop

Raj Zaveri as Old Man Grower and Billy Bailey