It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
This beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.
Online Playbill
The Cast
Nathaniel Parrales
Nathaniel is playing Jake Laurents, who voices George Bailey & Young George Bailey.
Nathaniel Parrales is thrilled to be making his MCT debut. He is a recent graduate of Evangel University in Springfield where he earned a B.A. in Music with a Theatre emphasis and was named the 2020-2021 Outstanding Graduate in Music. He is no stranger to Joe Landry’s adaption of It’s A Wonderful Life, having voiced Clarence last fall at Evangel. Other credits include You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), My Fair Lady (Harry), Our Town (Joe Crowell Jr.), and A Christmas Carol (Fred). Nathaniel also works for Princesses of the 417, portraying a number of characters at parties and special events across the Springfield/Ozark metroplex. He and his wife, Noel, live in Springfield pursuing a long-term goal of operating their own community theatre.
Mak Hodges
Mak Hodges will be playing Salley Applewhite, who voices Mary Hatch & Young Mary Hatch.
Mak Hodges is 20 years and has been performing since she was 12. This is her first show with MCT. After two years off stage, Mak recently appeared as Chris in Feather and Teeth with Springfield Contemporary Theatre. Pre-pandemic she was a theatre and journalism student at the University of Missouri (Columbia). During her time at Mizzou, Mak appeared on stage in 3 shows and had backstage roles in 2. She was also involved in the set construction process at Mizzou during her year there. Mak is from Fair Grove, where she was featured in many high school theatre productions and competed in speech and debate. She currently works as a personal care aide to the elderly and as a nanny. Mak is most passionate about comedy, writing, music and her dog. Mak is thrilled to be a part of her first MCT production and is thankful to have such a great group to work with. She would like to thank MCT for the opportunity to be a part of their theatre, her family for their love and support in her theatrical endeavors, and her director, Kelby, for bringing this ragtag group together and being so patient with their raggy-taggy-ness.
Dane Psyhos
Dane Psyhos will be playing Freddie Filmore, who voices Announcer, Gower, Potter, Billy, Joseph, Peter Bailey, Ernie, Old Man Collins, Ed Pete, Man at Martini’s, Nick, Bridge Keeper, Binky, and Cop.
Dane Psyhos is thankful for you “tuning in” to our production of It’s a Wonderful Life. Dane has most recently been in Mamma Mia but has done other performances with MCT such as Clue and Seussical. Outside of MCT, Dane enjoys hanging out with friends and entertaining people however he can. He would like to shout out his cat, Mae, who has always been very supportive and motivational. “Meow meow meh ow mew.”
Avery Brown
Avery Brown will be playing Lana Sherwood, who voices Violet, Young Violet, Rose Bailey, Matilda, Ruth, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Thompson, Schultz, Zuzu, Janie, and Sadie Vance.
Avery Brown is 21 years old and has been doing theatre since she was 11 years old. Her latest onstage performance was as Tallulah Leilana in The Art of Murder with Marshfield Community Theatre. She has been onstage for 9 MCT shows and backstage as crew for 12. She was also involved in two backstage roles with Missouri State’s theatre department. She currently works as a receptionist at Don Vance Auto Group and is a Marshfield local. Avery enjoys reading, writing and many other art forms. Avery is very grateful to be cast in another one of MCT’s shows and to be working with such a wonderful group of people. Avery is very thankful for her family’s support in all of her theatrical endeavors.
Brendan DePriest
Brendan DePriest will be playing Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood, who voices Harry, Young Harry, Bert, Clarence Oddbody, Sam Wainwright, Martini, Dr. Campbell, Charlie, Horace the Teller, Mr. Welch, Tommy, and Sheriff.
Brendan DePriest is an MCT veteran who’s happy to be performing in this radio show! Among his most recent performances are Disney’s Descendants and the murder mystery, The Art of Murder. Lately, he’s been keeping it steady by trudging his way through college and working at your local Subway. He wants to thank his family and friends for all their love and support.
Angie Hoffman
Angie Hoffman is our Foley Artist for the show and has helped behind the scenes with multiple shows including Shrek the Musical, Annie, Charlotte’s Web and Aladdin, Jr. Outside of MCT, Angie is the Director of Audit & Compliance at CoxHealth. She is married to her wonderful husband Randy and they are the proud parents of Kaylee, Austin and Abigail.
