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Community Corner

"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY" by Joe Landry at the Oil Lamp Theater

Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview offers a special holiday gift, the timeless classic It’s a Wonderful Life. In this adaptation of the famous movie the intimate space of Glenview’s Oil Lamp Theater is transformed into the 1940s radio studio of New York station WBFR. Audiences will be whisked back in time to the era of radio drama as they watch five actors create all the characters who populate the magical world of Bedford Falls.


Joe Page and Susan Steinmeyer play George and Mary Bailey, while Zach Bloomfield is the plum-toned announcer for WBFR. Bloomfield also provides the voice of the villainous old miser Mr. Potter, Uncle Billy, Mr. Gower the druggist, and others. Martin Hughes and Elizabeth Mazur also enact a wide range of roles in the radio drama. Hughes brings to life the saving angel Clarence, Harry Bailey, Sam Wainwright and others. Mazur lends her versatile voice and acting skills to every other female in the play, ranging from a small child to a senior citizen and from the town siren to George Bailey’s mom.


Rounding out the cast is Foley artist and real-life stage manager Angie Miller, who plays the sound engineer at WBFR. She is entrusted with all the behind-the-scenes audio magic for the radio play. Miller adds a critical dimension to the show as she uses clever techniques to simulate ringing telephones, chirping crickets, breaking glass and much more.

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Oil Lamp Theater is located in downtown Glenview at 1723 Glenview Road. Ample free parking is available in the lot next to the theater and on nearby streets. And don't miss our complimentary cookies!


Doors open Thursday through Friday at 7:30 pm, and at 2:30 pm for Sunday matinees. Oil Lamp Theater is a BYOB establishment, so bring your own beverage. We will cork it and provide glasses at no charge.

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You may purchase tickets by following the link on the theater website, by calling the box office at (847) 834-0738 or by visiting the box office at the theater on Mondays or Thursdays from 2 - 5 in the afternoon.


 Rekindle your holiday spirit with this delightful, family-friendly celebration in the welcoming hospitality of Glenview’s Oil Lamp Theater. The theater space will be specially “dressed” for a 1940s Christmas, and there will be many surprises.

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