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Producer/director Marya LaRoche has put together a cast of acting newcomers and seasoned veterans.

'It's A Wonderful Life' Radio Play Being Staged in Cheshire

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This particular production is intended to be "script-in-hand," a full reading/performance of a play where the actors are allowed to have their scripts in their hands so lines need not be memorized.

CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Cheshire Community Association will present a community production of the Frank Capra family classic "It’s a Wonderful Life," adapted by Tony Palermo, at Tuesday, December 17, at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at 159 Church St.

Brought to the stage as a 1940s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience, a dozen actors play radio dramatists, who, in turn, portray 30 characters from the heart-warming holiday film. Featuring live sound effects and an original score, this is a rare opportunity to see how a 1940s radio show was produced.

Producer/director Marya LaRoche has put together a cast of acting newcomers and seasoned veterans, featuring Simon Cole as George Bailey, Tommy Towne as Clarence, Elizabeth Kozik as Superintendent of Angels, Casey McShain as Mary Hatch Bailey, Travis Mille as Radio Announcer/Uncle Billy, and Shevaun Keogh-Walker as Potter, along with Curtis Elfenbein Asch, Mary Lou Burdick, Michael Morin Garrity, Patricia Kelly, Tyne LaRoche, and Larry Leavitt covering multiple roles.

This particular production is intended to be "script-in-hand," a full reading/performance of a play where the actors are allowed to have their scripts in their hands so lines need not be memorized. The director will utilize blocking, limited costumes, props and sound effects to create a performance experience for the audience.

With a run time of under 90 minutes, the play is recommended for ages 8 and up. The performance is free and open to the public. Donations to the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention will be graciously accepted at the door. Tickets for priority seating privileges can be reserved online through Brown Paper Tickets. Walk-ins are welcome. All seats are general admission and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.


Tags: cheshire,   holiday event,   

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Hoosac Valley School Committee Holds First Meeting of Academic Year

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Hoosac Valley School Committee Monday reflected on the recent loss of a high school graduate and looked at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
 
"It's been a tough couple of weeks in the school," Superintendent Aaron Dean told the committee at its monthly meeting. "Our team has done a great job supporting the kids, supporting the family.
 
"It's a really tough thing to go through. It's not the way we wanted to start the school year in any way. Condolences go out to all who were impacted."
 
The committee heard that memorials on the middle-high school campus are being considered to recognize 2026 graduate Jayquan Williams. The district is planning to let his family and students be part of the process in deciding how to honor Williams.
 
A major part of the committee's first meeting of the school year was hearing updates from the district's three building principals about the start of classes.
 
The newest principal, Dwayne Chamble, told the panel that he is "laser focused" on building relationships at the middle school.
 
Chamble said he has made a point of being present during recess, lunch, pickup and dropoff and transition times in the hall.
 
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