Notes from the Director -
Normally, in this space I know exactly what I want to say, but under the circumstances, there is a jumbled mess in my brain. It's hard to believe that I haven't been in person school with my students since March 13, 2020 - during that time we were in preparation for our 50th Mainstage Show, The Little Mermaid, and here we are December in 2020 - that show never officially happened, and the set is still in the exact same spot on stage as it was on March 13th, but regardless of all that - I am a very lucky individual because I get to work with these students day in and day out. For me, it has been a joy to see my students working so hard on this radio production. The students could have phoned it in, but they have pride in UHS Drama. This piece truly has been a collaborative work amongst students - from the actors tirelessly working on their voices, editors piecing all the footage together, the music team adding music and underscoring, the sound effect team creating and adding sound effects, and the artwork team providing the visuals - this, despite being radio only, has been a proud moment to see the students working together.
It's a Wonderful Life is considered one of the greatest movies of all time; however, it was not considered a commercial success when it first opened. It only became a classic over time, and it is one of my all time favorite holiday movies. It's a Wonderful Life started as a Radio Drama. In simpler times, before the rise of television in households, families would sit together, perhaps near the fireplace, and listen to productions on the radio - from daytime dramas, to game shows, crime thrillers, and more - families bonded over what they heard on the radio; it was important to tell this story as it originally began.
I am forever moved by the line that Clarence says late in the movie, that "each man's life touches so many other lives, when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he." Our lives are full of chance meetings and connected relationships - and they are full of wonder because of that fact. I am extremely proud of this production - despite the challenges, UHS Drama has found a way. Dr. Seuss once said, "Because when you stop and look around, this place is pretty amazing." Despite it all, and despite our current situation - I have to hold in my heart that when I really look at things, it truly is a Wonderful Life.
Stephen Ward
Director
