'It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' Reflects Director's Journey

NORTH FORK, NY — You'd be hard-pressed to find a director more well-suited to taking the helm of the Northeast Stage's production of "It's A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play" than Michael Disher.

Disher, a veritable treasure trove of talent, is beloved on the East End's artistic canvas. He's left a long and lasting legacy in the lives of the many cast members with whom he's shared his vision and passion for his craft.

And this year, as he presents "It's A Wonderful Life," the many who love him see heart-touching parallels in the show's plot — which has George Bailey, burdened with seemingly insurmountable challenges, questioning his future — and Disher's own journey.

Disher has, in recent years, fought a fierce battle against cancer and has emerged with new insight and a heart forever focused on the work that defines him.

Northeast Stage said it is thrilled to present the heartwarming classic film to the stage as a live radio play to celebrate the holiday season.

“'It’s A Wonderful Life' is, at its core, a work about worth and friendship — and quite often friendships we take for granted. For many years, the film has been a holiday favorite, but mounting Joe Landry’s brilliant radio play adaptation of this title is an ongoing lesson," Disher said. "I have directed or mounted this production five or six times to date, but with each incarnation I learned a little bit more about George Bailey, and a little bit more about myself."

He added: "I also believe that any presentation of this piece completely and earnestly impacts each and every audience member who again witnesses the revelation of George Bailey’s doubts and worth as a man, husband, father and human. And shall we always be reminded of this piece’s most valuable lesson: 'Remember, no man is a failure who has friends."

The cast includes Amie Sponza, Dan Yaiullo, Stuart Whalen, John Lovett, Katrina Lovett, Susan Cincotta, Nicholas Auletti, Esmeralda Cabrera, Mike Colt, Tim Ferris, Laura Pearsall, Deb Rothaug, Suzette Reiss, Michaal Lyn Scheppsm, Rich Gardini, Joey Giovingo, and Fred Hansen.

The show will be presented at Holy Trinity Church, located at 768 Main Street in Greenport, on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased here or at the door. The event is a fundraiser performance for the company's 2023 Free Shakespeare in the Park program.

Speaking with Patch, Disher said he directed for Northeast Stage 15 years ago. "So coming back was, well, I didn't know what to expect. I have gleaned that the North Fork and Greenport are on the precipice of potentially something quite artistically formidable. I'm not sure if I will be a part of that, but time will tell. There is a strong sense of development and an equally strong sense of community in Greenport that I do find encouraging and embracing. I like that. I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes, how it develops, how arts broaden amidst the inevitable growth of Greenport. I’ve grown quite fond of many of these performers."

The show holds enduring meaning for Disher. "It's been five years since I've directed this piece and I have to admit it's like coming home to an old friend — like revisiting a series of Norman Rockwell covers for The Saturday Evening Post. It is still that comforting, it is still that endearing, it is still that painfully, pointedly and heartbreakingly correct in its summary that no man is a failure who has friends. 'It's a Wonderful Life' has a heart that is so huge, so humongous, so nostalgic, thanks to Joe Landry, that it is no wonder it is still a beloved holiday show."

Reflecting on his own health challenges, Disher said his passion and perseverance have always led him home — to the theater that's deeply rooted in his soul.

"I don't think it was ever a question of if I would direct again, but when I would direct again. A common misconception is that disability equals inability," he said.

Disher's battle was arduous: His second brain surgery was supposed to be simple, an easy convalescence and 9 to 10 days in rehab.

"I awoke from the surgery without the use of my left arm and leg. Paralyzed. I had little hope," he said in 2019.

After about two weeks of no food, no water, tube feeding and deterioration, Disher said he was moved to a rehabilitation facility.

"I had no skills," Disher said. "I couldn't walk, talk, focus, read, sit and barely swallow. Personally, I had lost hope. My life was a hospital bed, bedpans, wonderful nurses aides and a PT/OT team, one hour a day. Like Shakespeare's seventh stage of man, I was at the seventh stage: second childishness and mere oblivion. Luckily, my brain and memory were still sharp."

Disher said he memorized the names of every nurse, aide, custodian and therapist.

"Each became my teacher, providing a puzzle piece of my recovery," he said.

Looking back on the past years, Disher said: "The path to recovery has been grueling and often presumably insurmountable. But I am stubborn and persistent and am in no way ready to completely retire."

He has remained laser-focused on his life's purpose. "I know I belong directing and teaching. I knew this at a relatively young age and have been blessed to be doing exactly what I wanted to do for 40-plus years now. If anything is changed, I would like to think that I take nothing or anyone for granted. Each play, each production, each person punctuates exactly why I am here, still here, and determined to maintain a level of integrity and excellence in theater that our communities demand and deserve. We have a responsibility. We have a duty."

"It's A Wonderful Life" holds new depth after the most recent acts of Disher's own life. "I think I would be remiss if I didn't see the parallels. There were many dark days in rehab when I questioned why I was still here, why I was suffering so. But so many people reached out, so many unexpected and unexplained kindnesses came my way, and so many reminders kept telling me my journey was far from over. I have many more stories to tell — on stage and off."

This year's holiday production is, for Disher, a celebration of life and talent and abiding friendships that sustain.

"I have particularly loved this show for many reasons. First, any chance I have to discuss radio plays with my dear Joe Landry is a bonus. Of course, our conversations always delve into new potential projects that interest both of us. He’s a great friend. I have to thank Northeast Stage for offering me the chance to direct for them. What is always a great treat for me is to audition new people, meet new people, create a production family out of otherwise unassociated people. And I was so pleasantly surprised by two actors I had directed many years ago who unexpectedly auditioned. What a gift."

The show resonates for so many, across generations, Disher said. "What we mean to other people isn't always immediately and readily seen or known. It's equally sad and comforting that we all need to be reminded that every life has worth, every life has merit. We often forget that. Sure, the struggles are daily, and the tests are often daunting, but these challenges do indeed remind us of our potential and promise and purpose."

In his own life, Disher's next chapter is yet to unfold.

"I have taught many people, directed many people, learned from countless others and straddled generations. In some instances I have taught parents, their children and their grandchildren. There is something to be said for longevity. I don't think I ever stopped, I was simply detoured for a spell. Now, I am back. The question now is — where do I go from here?

One thing is certain: Whatever path he takes, Disher's is, indeed, a wonderful life.

Northeast Stage is a non-profit organization. For additional information, please contact Amie Sponza at 631-835-2727.