Hear a Holiday Humdinger: Radio Drama Troupe to Perform Capra Classic

AUSTIN, TX—November 18, 2004—The Violet Crown Radio Players, Austin's original radio drama recreation troupe, will cap their 2004 season with a live staging of the Frank Capra holiday classic, "It's a Wonderful Life.' The Players, who delighted sold-out audiences in October with their unique interpretation of "War of the Worlds,' will recreate a Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of "It's a Wonderful Life' from 1947 complete with live sound effects, vintage costumed actors, and a hot swing band. All performances will be held at Ventana del Soul, 1834 E. Oltorf St., on December 3-5, and December 10-11, 2004. The December 5 performance is a 3 p.m. matinee. All other performances will be at 8 p.m. Seats are $7, and advance tickets are available online at http://www.violetcrownradio.com.

The Players completely immerse audiences in the vintage experience from the moment they walk through the door with antique radio equipment and posters, actors in character interacting with guests in the "studio,' and the sweet retro sounds of the Puddin' Hill Jass Babies, a 3 piece swing band. Once the show is under way, the troupe magically creates a rich aural landscape using everyday materials for live sound effects. Sound effects artists bring automobiles, crowded nightclubs, and street scenes to life using ingenious and unexpected items. For "It's a Wonderful Life,' audience members themselves will become a part of the action as they assist the Players with a crowd scene and Christmas carol.

The Players have enjoyed resounding success this year, their third, as they have presented original and vintage material. The group's Executive Director, T.E. Heidel, says, "Audiences really respond to our programs. It gives them a chance to step back in time, to see what entertainment was like when families gathered around the radio to listen to their favorite shows. We've seen incredible growth this year as folks realize how much fun this type of experience can be.'

More information about the Violet Crown Radio Players can be found at http://www.violetcrownradio.com.

ABOUT THE VIOLET CROWN RADIO PLAYERS: The Violet Crown Radio Players, Austin's original radio drama recreation troupe, have been performing for local audiences for almost three years. All VCRP shows are presented in a vintage recreation style, complete with costumes and live sound effects, although many of their scripts are original. Original serials the VCRP have created include "The Blue Menace,' a masked superhero, "Molly McCoy: Air Ace,' a WWII aviatrix, and "Dr. Geist's Cabinet of Curiosities,' a horror program. In addition, the VCRP works with "Conan the Barbarian' creator Robert E. Howard's estate to serialize Howard's "Sailor Steve Costigan' stories.

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