THUNDER BAY -- In 1955 Hollywood made a movie in Deluxe colour called Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing. Nice idea, but there’s an even better movie, a holiday classic, come to many-splendored and many-layered life on Magnus’ stage next week.
Likely you’ve watched It’s a Wonderful Life with your family on a television screen in your living room: the story of an idealistic man up against the odds who decides to end it all, until a guardian angel earning his wings intervenes. Can you imagine any of this over radio airwaves instead? Okay, sure, you can see people in front of microphones in a studio. That doesn’t explain the magic that takes hold. No. This thing, many-splendored, is real.
The Source met with actors Melissa MacKenzie and Neil Paterson ahead of a many-layered show. A play-within-a-play, within the play of your own imagination. Didn’t have to gaze into Sally Applewhite’s beautiful sienna eyes to see her happiness; could hear it in her voice, clear as a silver bell. “Oh, sure. I’ve been at this for a few years now. Freddie, WBFR’s host, asked me to do a little cross-over into radio-land. A little building of, well, a wonderful life. In the town of Bedford Falls. And of falling in love, at Christmas-time.”
As George’s wife, Mary glows. “I’ve known him since I was five. He worked at Mr. G’s shop; I’d go in and get sick off chocolate-floats because all I wanted was to spend more time there. I knew if I left little hints along the way, if I played my cards right, we would end up together. Now, and with four lovely children, I’m so very content.”
A genuine Sally continues. “It’s truly a world we get to create the soundscape for. The sounds are all coming from us: shoes on our hands on a table; slammed-shut doors and such. Oh, we do have a little fun on stage. And off.” She winks.
Can’t quite pin-point the colour of George’s eyes, they’re so serious. It’s is the rest of his face that catches my attention: so expressive. And when Jake Laurents speaks, a light goes on. “I love how it’s left up to the imagination. We do enough of the Foley (sound-design) to re-create the situation, but what really happens, the magic, is all live on stage.”
I ask George about life in Bedford Falls; Jake morphs into character.
“Life is swell. I have a beautiful wife, four amazing kids. But, well, business has been rough and,” he trails off. Heavy sigh. “I just don’t know.” In an instant I know. I can see it in his worried hazel eyes.
“I give a lot back to my community, I’m like my father in that regard. But it’s not easy to do, not all the time.” Again his voice trails off.
I ask George if he believes in spirits or angels and the like. “No, I don’t. That’s plain ridiculous.”
Jake tells me he wants the live studio audience to experience all the joy and fun he and his cohorts in front of microphones do.
And I’m telling you I am certain you will.
It’s a Wonderful Life opens Dec.5; sparkles until Dec. 21. Enjoy!
-- By Linda Maehans, for tbnewswatch.com
