1448 Projects: Theatre Anonymous
It’s a Wonderful Life
Directed by Mimi Katano
As George Bailey
Cornish Playhouse: Dec 9th 2023
Photos by Joe Iano, Courtesty of 1448 — Mike Lion, Josh Kenji
On December 9th, an audience took their seats around an empty stage at Cornish Playhouse. No one— not even the actors— knew who would show up on stage that night. One by one, through risk and faith, a cast of 30 actors emerged from the audience as the town of Bedford Falls came to life. Produced by the creators of The World’s Quickest Theatre Festival, 1448 Projects’ Theatre Anonymous celebrated community and the spirit of connection through the timeless tale of It’s a Wonderful Life.
“I want to live again!”
— George Bailey
Video from Kiki Abba
This past November, Sean Belyea called to ask if I’d be interested in working on George for this year’s Theatre Anonymous. I said, “Yes…?” and jumped into a month-long marathon of memorizing lines and secret rehearsals with Mimi Katano, culminating in an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime evening.
I am so grateful for everyone who made that night happen— all the unexpected faces onstage, the energetic and supportive audience, and everyone who made sure I was ready for that night. (Sean, Mimi, Charlotte, Paula, Corynn, James, and Jose, to name a few!)
Photographs by Joe Iano, courtesy of 1448 Productions
