Spotlight Players is presenting a radio play version of the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" through Dec. 16. The cast of 16 actors includes Jeff Lovell, Regina Palin and Andrew Jorgenson

The 1947 film "It's A Wonderful Life" has become such a classic, any traditional stage version could be at a distinct disadvantage.

However, Philip Grecian's new stage adaptation of the Frank Capra film about an angel who shows a despondent man what life would be like without him aims to avoid disadvantages by taking the form of a radio play. Spotlight Players is presenting the piece through Dec. 16.

"I think this would have been at a disadvantage if it was an actual play," said Jim LaMonte, who is directing "It's A Wonderful Life" at Spotlight. "There are too many locations for one to do it effectively that way."

But in a radio play, there's no expectation of elaborate scenery for the various locations, such as protagonist George Bailey's home, the Bailey Building and Loan, or the bridge where he considers taking his life. The locations are either described in the script or by two "Foleys," who are cast members responsible for creating a litany of sound effects.

"There are 75 music cues in this piece," LaMonte said. "In the curtain speech I give, I say that, if you choose, you can just close your eyes and listen to the Foleys and recorded sound. Every person might have a slightly different version of the play that they take away with them."

"It's A Wonderful Life" tells the story of a man with a seemingly perfect life -- including a wife, four children and a family business. But he gets into trouble when someone loses a large payment owed to the bank, which is controlled by the miserly Mr. Potter. Bailey considers suicide until Clarence, his kindly guardian angel, intervenes.

The radio play has 63 characters. LaMonte said 8 to 10 actors typically play all the parts, with adults also handling the children's roles. Spotlight's cast is larger, with 16 players. Joshua Ramsey plays George Bailey, with Regina Gormanly as George's wife, and Will Pullins as Mr. Potter.

Debby Lovell, who plays the Building and Loan receptionist and George's mother-in-law, said the actors are positioned at a vintage microphone and all face the challenge of creating their characters with only their voices.

Joan Walker, who plays George's mother, may be the only Spotlight cast member who actually remembers original 1940s radio plays.

"I was born in '39 and didn't have a television set until I was 13," Walker said, "so sure, I remember radio plays. My favorite was 'The Lone Ranger.'

"I remember you would sit and sort of stare at the radio. It was all very real, because you used your imagination, and you could 'see' the riders galloping across the range....... It was all about imagination."