MEET THE ARTISTS | IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
THE CREATIVE TEAM
David Ossman (adaptation/direction) has appeared many times at WICA, notably in Lew Carlino’s magnificent School for Scandal, new plays by Richard Evans and Tom Churchill, Love Letters with Michael Learned, and most recently in The Investigation as President Trump. He directed the ragtime staging of Seven Keys to Baldpate in 2006.
After graduation from Columbia’s School of Drama, David had only directed a single chancel play in Greenwich Village before creating a familiar voice on New York’s WBAI-FM, where he produced a classic Beat-era broadcast series, “The Sullen Art.”
David returned to live theater (as a performer) with the first Renaissance Pleasure Faires, where dialect and improv skills led to radio improv, then full-on folk-club stage plays with the newly-formed and super-hip Firesign Theatre in 1968.
Firesign, in its “Beatles of Comedy” heyday, played sell-out dates at Carnegie Hall, The Roxy, and the Seattle Paramount among other historic venues. One of its last four-man performances was at WICA in 2011.
Firesign’s vast archive was acquired in 2018 by the Library of Congress. Fifty years of broadcasts, movies, comedy scripts and original books, and Ossman’s own novels and memoirs are easily found on line.
Judith Walcutt (direction) had her first play, Lainguage, presented at the Ann Arbor Experimental Arts Festival and NYC’s LaMaMa Theatre shortly after her graduation from Bard College. During her graduate school years at USC, Judith produced Beatrice Manley’s (co-founder of the San Francisco Actors Workshop) Conjunctions, which included her Anna Grace: a poem for dancers, and performances by notable visiting authors. In WICA’s first two years, Judith produced love is a place – an e.e. cummings cabaret, “Summer Radio Festival” evenings, a family “Poetry Blast,” and A Child’s Christmas in Wales.
Judith’s company, Otherworld Media, has staged numerous Whidbey productions including Don’t Crush That Dwarf, A Thousand Clowns, and the audio-cinematic staging of Agatha Christie’s “The BBC Murders.”
Her first major live radio theatre work, “The Wonder Tales” (based on the Volsung Saga), was presented in four episodes at the Magic Theatre (San Francisco) in 1981. Her “War of the Worlds 50th Anniversary Production” was nominated for a Grammy in 1988. Judith’s children’s musical, Frankenbean and the Monster Carrots toured museums nationally and her radio broadcasts include two years of Choochokam programming and a season of “Live From The Islands,” promoting South Whidbey arts.
Judith has directed plays by Ursula K. LeGuin, Gish Jen, Margurite deAngeli; and such distinguished actors as Angela Lansbury, Colleen Dewhurst and James Earl Jones.
Patricia Duff (choreography / Cousin Tilly) studied acting in college and plied the trade later as a working actor in Chicago. Since moving to Whidbey Island, Patricia has performed in Whidbey Island Center for the Arts’ productions of Seven Keys to Baldpate, The Good Doctor, Cabaret, Enchanted April, Rabbit Hole, Becky’s New Car, A Christmas Story, The Fantasticks, and A Glass Menagerie. At Outcast Productions, she was seen in Nickel and Dimed, Good People, Gertrude Stein and A Companion, and Oh! What a Lovely War. Most recently she performed in Island Shakespeare Festival’s production of Shakespeare's Other Women. Many heartfelt thanks to Judith and David for their illuminating and community-embracing literary and theatrical dexterity. They are truly a Whidbey Island treasure. Merry Christmas!
Carol Douthitt (properties) enjoys gathering props for both WICA and the Whidbey Playhouse, thinks “nothing’s better that finding or making just the right piece,” appreciates the camaraderie and hard work putting on a show, and hopes to be onstage again or behind the scenes in the coming season.
Tony Brewer (sound design) is a poet and sound effects artist from Bloomington, IN. He has taught and performed at the National Audio Theatre Festivals in Missouri since 2001, and has been the sound effects guy and associate producer of the WFHB Firehouse Follies live broadcast variety show in Bloomington since 2008. He won an ANGIE (named for Angela Lansbury) and was made a Kentucky Colonel for his live foley work 2008-2012 at the International Mystery Writers Festival in Owensboro, KY. In 2015 he received the inaugural Bradshaw Award (named for Firesign Theatre character Lt. Bradshaw) for Service to the Field of Audio Theatre by the American Society for Science Fiction Audio. Tony has taught at Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Michigan University, and the Kansas City Art Institute; and he has performed with the Knoxville Opera, IU Cinema, and the Wounded Galaxies Festival, as well as in dozens of independent productions, most recently with VoiceScapes Audio Theatre at the Center for Jewish History in NYC and at Granfalloon: A Kurt Vonnegut Convergence in Bloomington. By day a mild-mannered book designer at a university press, Tony also frequently collaborates with the experimental music + field recording collective Urban Deer.
Deb Shirey (stage management) has had the privilege of being part of WICA for seven wonder filled years. “First with City of Angels as a crew member. What an exciting show that was. I was in the back of the stage for a few more plays. Then up to the booth. There I got to learn from some of the best lights and sound. Then on to learn stage management with help from WICA. Emma, The Addams Family, White Christmas, Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant, and The Santaland Diaries. Two years with The One Act festivals. WOW time goes by fast when you get to see magic in the making. I hope you enjoy our show.”
THE CAST
Wendy Ashford (Ensemble) was last seen in Mae West’s SEX. It’s a Wonderful Life is her fifth production at WICA.
Logan Ball (Sam Hee-Haw Wainwright) is delighted to make his WICA debut in this production. Logan is a recent transplant from Dallas, TX. Logan’s theatrical life began during adolescence, and saw its height with a performance in front of a crowd of a hundred thousand in South Korea. He has also worked in lighting, sound, and scenic design. You may have seen Logan onstage last summer as Theseus in Island Shakespeare Festival’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Logan now spends his days in the world of architectural rendering. A huge thank you to friends and family, especially Eva. Happy Holidays!
Jim Carroll (Ernie) appeared on WICA’s stage as Ernie Cusack in Rumors, Gordon in Dead Man's Cell Phone, Caveman in The Addams Family, Buddy in City of Angels, Snoopy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Tom Jenkins in Scrooge, and MacMillan in Big, the Musical. Jim recently directed Shtick at Outcast Productions, where he has also been in Over My Dead Body, Dogpark, Nickel and Dimed, Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, Why Torture is Wrong, and Play On. As a Firesign Theater fan since 1972, Jim is thrilled to be working with the real George Tirebiter and his lovely and talented wife Judith the She-Noodle. Dreams do come true!
Jameson Cook (Harry Bailey) began working with Martha Murphy at Whidbey Children’s Theatre at the age of seven, performing in The Shoemaker and the Elves, followed by Treasure Island, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Stompin, Charlotte’s Web (Templeton), and Robin Hood, as Robin. An older Jameson later returned to the cast of Treasure Island as Dr. Livesey. Jameson’s work with WICA includes The Kentucky Cycle (Joshua Rowen), Oliver (Charlie), and Big (Billy Kopecki). Jameson continued his performance education at EVCC, earning his Associates, with a focus in Theater Arts. While attending EVCC, he performed in Don Juan (Piero) and two student-written plays and directed Six Characters In Search of An Author. Jameson loves the stage and plans to continue his education in fine arts.
Chris Douthitt (Joe Hepner / Carter) and wife Carol moved to Whidbey in 1996 after a decades-long career as a professional sound designer. Chris was the Video/Filmmaking teacher at Oak Harbor High School for 16 years; he retired in 2018. Added joys during that time were supervising summer “Film Camp” at WCT for ten years, starting Wildcat TV in 2005, and appearing in the OHHS production of Guys and Dolls. Chris worked with Judith Walcutt and David Ossman on their staged radio productions of Mr and Mrs. North (WICA) and Agatha Christie BBC Murders at Whidbey Children’s Theatre.
R James Enslow (Martini) first trod the boards in 1985 at The Clyde Theatre in An Enemy of the People. He appeared in the world premier of the musical Charley Parkhurst, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, The Rainmaker, Picnic, and The Foreigner. Since “graduating” to the WICA mainstage, he appeared in Mrs. California, The Dining Room, The Miracle Worker, Nevermore, and Picasso at the Lapin Agile. In addition to acting, he has worked the lights and sound boards, crewed backstage, and created and operated special effects. Thank you, audience, for the energy you give back to the actors on stage. It’s good to be back!
Jim Freeman (Pop Bailey), when not being himself on stage, enjoys being someone else. Tonight's the night!
Annabella Harrison (Young Mary) is in the 5th grade at South Whidbey Elementary School. Aside from theater, she enjoys playing her trumpet, hip-hop dancing, and karate. She began acting at an early age at Whidbey Children’s Theatre. One of Annabella’s favorite roles was playing Michael Banks in the WCT production of Mary Poppins. She also enjoyed playing Jip the dog in Doctor Doolittle. Her most recent performance was the Goblin Minion in The Hobbit. Annabella thanks her parents and Martha Murphy for making it possible to do this production.
Gabe Harshman (George Bailey) graduated high school at Idyllwild Arts Academy, and studied theater at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Locally he has performed in Next to Normal, White Christmas, and Our Town with WICA; Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Island Shakespeare Festival; and Bollywood and Vine the Musical, A Couple of Blaguards, and Greater Tuna at Outcast Theater. His prior directorial credits are A Couple of Blaguards as well as assistant directing The Flick at Outcast Theater. He is also a host for Whidbey TV’s “What’s Up Whidbey.”
Shelley Hartle (Ma Bailey) is a veteran of Whidbey stages. It’s a pleasure to be involved in this particular production which for years has been part of many happy Christmas traditions. It’s a reminder that love, truth and honesty are still highly valued—in our community as in Bedford Falls. Spread the joy!
James Hinkley (Uncle Billy / Hobo) most recently appeared with the Island Shakespeare Festival where he played the role of Snug the Joiner in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the dual roles of Cavalcanti and Ephialtes in Dante’s Inferno. His earlier WICA portrayals include Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher, Uncle Vanya in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, and the “Old Man” in Prelude to a Kiss. But WICA audiences will most likely remember James from the Box Office where he spent many happy years selling tickets.
Olena Hodges (Violet) is elated to share the stage with this lovely group of friends and fam. Olena grew up on the Whidbey Children’s Theater stage, and could not be prouder to now contribute to the rich artistic realm of this community as the artistic director of Island Shakespeare Festival. She believes deeply in the human experience explored in theatre as a vehicle for social examination and change. Past acting highlights include Desdemona (Othello), Rosalind (As You Like It), Juliet (Romeo & Juliet), and Beatrice (Much Ado) all at ISF, as well as The Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Sign in Sydney Brustein’s Window at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She holds a BFA in Performance from Southern Oregon University, and is a graduate of Circle in The Square Theater School. A huge thank-you to David and Judith for thinking of her for this delightful role, and her family and friends for their unwavering support.
Phil Hodges (Principal / Welch) most recently appeared as Linc Dees and Boo Radley in Drfiftwood Theater’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
Kevin Lynch (Mr. Potter) is pleased to be lurching about WICA again as Mr. Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life after having previously played the winsome zombie Lurch in Addams Family. Other island credits include Sterling in Slowgirl, Matthew Harrison Brady in a staged reading of Inherit the Wind, and King Arthur in the Camelot Panto, all at Outcast Theatre. Regional credits include seasons at the two longest running theatres outside of New York, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Alley Theatre in Houston, TX. Also, Kevin toured Montana playing Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, directed by stage and film actor Bill Pullman. Seattle credits include ACT, Empty Space, Seattle Shakespeare, Book-It and Bathhouse Theatre. Kevin produced and played Edmund in a well-reviewed Seattle equity waiver production of Long Day’s Journey Into Night. He was a finalist in both TCG and URTA National Auditions (Chicago and L.A.).
Michael McInerney (Bert the Cop) is pleased to be working once again with David and Judith, having previously played several roles in the last millennium production Don’t Crush that Dwarf/Hand Me the Pliers and Waiting for the Electrician or Someone Like Him. In the intervening years he has popped up on stage (but rarely) in various productions, most recently as General Waverly in WICA’s White Christmas and in five roles, most notably Stanton, Sr. in Edward Jordan’s SEX, WICA’s Fall show. He is also happy to be part of the “IAWL” family .....a real slice of our own South Whidbey community. Kudos to all.
Mike McVay (Potter’s Goon) has been around a long time. His favorite theater is produced by Judith and written by David. Thank heaven the line load is light ‘cause the old memory isn't working like it used to.
Martha Murphy (Mrs. Hatch) is the founder of Whidbey Children’s Theatre. She has been involved with the theater community for the past 38 years. Thanks, David and Judith!
Cormac Nazarian (Young Sam) is twelve years old and attends Calyx Community Arts School at South Whidbey State Park. He enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, dancing, playing video games, inventing, and acting. He really likes oysters, and his favorite color is sunset orange.
Tessa Patty-Caldwell (Ruth Bailey) is a sophomore at SWHS. Tess is thrilled to be apart of It’s a Wonderful Life at WICA! The last play she did was The Adams Family and is currently apart of the upcoming production of Les Mis at Whidbey Children’s Theatre. In her spare time, Tess is playing her flute or baking. She would like to dedicate this performance to her younger brother and fellow thespian, Cooper Patty-Shank!
Lucas Pitts (Peter Bailey) is nine years old. He excels in music, playing both the guitar and piano. If he isn't writing lyrics, he is studying the ones on the airwaves. He has also been involved in underwater robotics for four years, competing yearly at the NASA sponsored competition in Federal Way, WA. With a desire to be on the stage, this his first theatrical performance.
Victoria Saenz (Janie Bailey) has been in many theater camps with Martha Murphy but this is her first WICA performance. She loves dancing, acting, singing, and playing the piano. She wants to thank her family for supporting her passions.
Jim Scullin (Clarence) has been a regular in community theater on Whidbey Island for over twenty years. He has appeared on the WICA stage many times. He reports that it is a particular delight to him to have this opportunity to participate in creating our own unique, local version of It’s a Wonderful Life under the imaginative direction of the Ossmans, and in the company of so many fine actors. And then, to be cast in the role of Clarence! Thank you to all for coming to join us for It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s wonderful to have you here.
Christina Sousa (Ensemble) is fifteen years old, lives in Langley, and is an artist and sculptor. She is an active member of the South Whidbey High School drama club and Music in Motion Show Choir. Christina has performed in Wellington Day School’s productions of Grease, Beauty and the Beast, Circus Berserkes; and the drama club’s production of You Can’t Take It With You. Christina has organised caroling with friends, in downtown Langley. She enjoys acting and is very happy to be a part of It’s a Wonderful Life!
Elise Sousa (Ensemble) is a Langley resident mother of three. She does face painting and henna body art on the side. She has worked with the pre-school class of Wellington Day school, costuming, choreographing, and directing their plays and performances. She is a Girl Scout leader of local high school troop 43552. Elise supports and enjoys all forms of the arts, especially when it comes to sharing it with the children, and our community.
Lila Sousa (Zuzu Bailey) is an eleven-year-old (lifetime) resident of Langley. Lila debuted her vocal talents at Blooms Winery last fall, then performed at the 2019 Whidbey Island Area Fair, accompanied by the Szabo Swingers. She has been selected to sing the national anthem for the 2019 Seattle Children’s Marathon. Lila played the part of Glenda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz and Hava in Fiddler on the Roof at Martha Murphy’s summer theater camp. This inspired her with a love and hunger for theater. She is thrilled to be playing Zuzu in It’s a Wonderful Life!
Amy Walker (Mary Bailey) is an LA-based actress, singer, writer, and producer who is thrilled to be back performing on the WICA stage, where she was seen as Nancy in Oliver!, Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker, and in countless plays and concerts. Due out next year, Amy is in feature films Grace and Grit, Our Home, and The Scheme of Things. She’s in pre-production on three projects as writer, actress, and producer, along with incredible Oscar and Emmy-winning team members. She also voices fan favorite VG characters such as Lunara (Heroes of the Storm) and Elise Starseeker (Hearthstone). This is her upteenth show with the amazing David and Judith ~ here’s to more! AmyWalkerOnline.com