ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is based on the classic holiday movie with a clever twist thrown in: the story is staged as a live radio broadcast. Actors portray numerous characters, and sound effects are done through Foley artists. It’s a Wonderful Life is about the life of George Bailey, a generous and well-meaning man who has become too downcast and tired to continue living. It will take help from a lovable angel to show George what life would be like if he wasn’t born for George to have a change of heart and understand the true spirit of the holidays.

Bianca Augustine (Lana Sherwood as Violet Bick and other characters) is a native of Leonville, Louisiana. She first fell in love with the stage as a member of Beau Chene High School’s Drama Club. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from McNeese State University, where she is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling. In addition to full-time graduate student, Bianca also works in the mental health and academia fields, holding positions at McNeese State University as a counselor intern in the Kay Dore’ Counseling Clinic and as a teaching assistant in the Psychology Department. Bianca’s theatrical experience includes acting in the McNeese Bayou Player’s productions of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, Almost, Maine, Devised Production, and Psychosis 4.48, as well as assistant stage manager, prop master, and lighting operator for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Bianca has also performed in Itinerant Theatre’s productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Vagina Monologues, and a Coffee House Theatre and in KC Productions of SWLA’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. She has also assistant directed Caroline, or Change for Artists Civic Theatre (ACTs). When she isn’t in the theatre, Bianca enjoys spoiling her fur-baby, Kingsley, traveling, learning about various cultures, spending time with family and friends, yoga, crafting, and shopping. Bianca was recently elected to the board of directors of Itinerant Theatre. Itinerant Theatre has become family for Bianca, and she is excited to work with them again!

Hannah Barker (Stage Manager as Stage Manager) is extremely excited to be a part of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Hannah is a Texas native, singer, dancer and musician who has performed in numerous productions including ACTS theatre’s, Caroline or Change (as Caroline). Hannah is extremely grateful to her family, the people of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Itinerant Theatre for making some of her most rewarding experiences possible.

Julian Green (Jake Laurents as George Bailey) makes his second theatre appearance as Jake Laurents playing George in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. His first role was in Aida which debuted in Lake Charles in 2015. Green holds a BS in Mass Media & Communications from Oral Roberts University and spent time working in Los Angeles for MTV and Universal Studios. He is currently an officer in the Army National Guard. He also serves on the Mayor’s Armed forces Commission and on the board for the Imperial Calcasieu Human Resource Management Association. The father of Kallie Green (an aspiring actress) he enjoys mentoring, tennis, mountain biking and spoiling his basenji/rat-terrier mix named Zoe. He invites all too add him on social media! “God not only calls the qualified, but qualifies the called.” –unknown.

Jo Ann Hank (Hope Merriweather as Rose Bailey and other characters) Jo Ann has been seen on stages across Southwest Louisiana for over 20 years. She and husband Tony have been married for over 23 years and are the proud parents of 3 feline babies. Jo Ann is a deputy clerk for the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court. A few of her favorite roles have been “Blanche” in A Streetcar Named Desire, “M’Lynn” in Steel Magnolias, Maureen in Beauty Queen of Leenane, “Claire” in Fuddy Meers and Vagina Monologues.

Dan Sadler (Freddie Fillmore/Announcer as Potter and other characters) has been involved in theater and music his entire life. He has appeared in shows with Itinerate Theater – Beauty Queen of Leenan, Acts Theater – Diary of Anne Frank, Lake Charles Little Theater – Nunsense Amen, Streetcar Named Desire, and many others. Dan is a Methodist and will let you guess his age and heritage.

Natalie Sell (Sally Applewhite as Mary Hatch) is originally from Spring, TX, and has a Bachelors of Science in Theatre from Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. In addition to acting for the stage, she has experience in commercials, film, and technical work. Some of her previous theatrical credits include The Miracle Worker at ACTS (Kate Keller), It’s A Wonderful Life at Stageworks Houston (Ruth/Ensemble), The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Boo Levy), Anton in Show Business (Casey), Sweet Charity (Rosie/Ensemble), Uncle Vanya (Helen), A View From the Bridge (Catherine), Kingdom of Earth (Offstage Female Voice), Quilters (Various), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne Schwartzandgrubienerre), Tim Miller’s Body Maps Workshop (Performer), and Slasher (Bridget) at Lamar University. Natalie would like to thank her family, friends, and boyfriend for their continued love and support. She would also like to thank Joy and Itinerant Theatre for this awesome opportunity.

Travis Spears (Willy Kurtz as Harry Bailey and other characters) is a native of Sulphur, Louisiana. He first became involved with theater through his friends in McNeese’s Bayou Players. He received his Bachelor of the Arts in History from McNeese State University in May 2014, and is currently pursuing a Master of the Arts in Teaching there as well. Travis is currently working at LaGrange High School where he teaches Civics. His theatrical experience includes acting in McNeese Bayou Player’s Devised Production, as well as working as Stage Manager for the student led production of A Behanding In Spokane. He has also participated in Itinerant Theatre’s Coffee House Theater and worked as a stage hand for its production of Caroline or Change. Beyond the theatre in his spare time Travis enjoys boxing, running, consuming literature, and spending time with friends. He looks forward to taking part in a wonderful production with the talented folks at Itinerant Theatre once again!

Shauna Temple (Trixie Devine as ZuZu and multiple characters) has been doing theatre since the age of 5. She’s worked in and out of state. Some of her favorite roles include Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Gaynelle in Redvelvet Cakewars, Magenta in Rocky Horror, Latrell in Sordid Lives, and Betty Jean in The Marvelous Wonderettes. Shauna also loves working with children! She currently is working as a AuPair here in Lake Charles. She would like to thank her family and employer for giving her the opportunity to share her passion of performing with all of you!!

Matt Tonkovich (Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood: as Clarence and other characters) Matt is from East Chicago IN and moved to Sulphur in 1998. He has three sons and 8 grandkids. He retired from Sasol after 40 years. He has done shows at ACTS Theatre in Lake Charles, OCP in Orange TX and CCCT in Clear Lake TX. Some of the shows he has been in sre Beauty and the Beast, Kiss me Kate, Cabaret, South Pacific at ACTS, Urine Town the Musical, The Full Monty at OCP and It’s a Wonderful Life at CCCT. He has also work on numerous sets and was an Assistant Director on four productions.

Michelle Brunson (Production Designer) is happy to return to the Lake Charles area. She has previously designed in the lake area and central Louisiana for a multitude of theatres. Michelle received her BA in Theatre and Art from Louisiana College and her MFA in Theatrical Design and Production from Memphis State University. She has worked professionally with many theatres on throughout the United States and also in Germany. Michelle’s passion is education and has worked in Educational Theatre as Designer, Technical Director and Professor at Louisiana College, Memphis State, Rhodes College, Cameron University and currently as the Production Manager at McNeese State University. She is happy to return home to the Lake Charles area. She would like to thank Travis, Samantha, and Colin for their support and sharing her passion for theatre.

Tony James (Pianist) Tony James is singer/songwriter and entertainer. Hailing from La. by way of NYC. Tony Studied Vocal Performance & Theater Arts at Northwestern State University. As an entertainer Tony has graced stages in the United States and Internationally. Wowing his audiences with a strong, soulful, booming voice. With a style that is as eclectic as his home state Louisiana, he brings to the stage a m`elange of classical, theater, and Sunday Morning training. Which makes for a thrilling experience. A performance by Tony James “Tha Voice” is a MUST SEE! The precision, the artistry, the Love. Tony is currently a Staff Singer at FUMC of Lake Charles, and Vocal Coach at The Right Note Studio.

Joy Pace (Director), Artistic Director & Executive Director of Itinerant Theatre, and Co-Founder is newly appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Louisiana Arts Council, is past Chair of Region 6 for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), and owns and operates Joy Pace Creative LLC. Joy has taught theatre in higher education for over 20 years and has worked professionally as an actor, director, vocal coach, instructor, and stage manager. Joy’s most recent directing credits include It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Caroline, or Change, Vagina Monologues, The Diary of Anne Frank, An Evening with Nellie Lutcher, Race, Man of a Thousand Songs by Carolyn Woosley, Louisiana Women: Bound, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, All My Sons, Pygmalion, Othello, Waiting for Godot, & Working: a musical. Her favorite recent acting credits include “Mag” in Beauty Queen of Leenane, “Lorraine” in This Wide Night, ”Martha” in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, “Josie” in A Moon for the Misbegotten, and “Sister Aloysius” in Doubt. Joy is greatly looking forward to a life filled with theatre and social justice — her great passions — her family and her dogs. “ The theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation.” – Stella Adler

Christopher J. Smith (Light/Sound Operator) This is Christopher J Smith’s second theater production working as a technical crew member. Christopher has recently worked as a sound booth operator in the ACTS Theater’s production of Caroline, or Change. Christopher enjoys skateboarding during his free time, and is currently learning to play multiple instruments. Chris wants to thank all of Itinerant Theater’s staff and cast members for this opportunity which he hopes will help inspire, motivate, and show others that hard work in the arts rewards one with true happiness.