Dec. 9 - Dec. 27, 2009
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The beloved movie classic that starred James Stewart is lovingly brought to life as a Broadway-style musical! On Christmas eve, troubled George Bailey, wonders what And Clarence, the hapless would-be Guardian Angel shows him just that! |
| Production Stage Manager Lighting Costumes Choreography |
BRYAN CHAMBERLAIN
JULIE LENNICK
SCOTTY NEWLANDS
ASHLEY MEDEIROS-FELIX
DAMIEN GULDE
CLINTON SOMERTON
ELIZABETH ROSE MORRISS
GARY PRUDENCE
ANDREW BYRNE
MAX LEE
KOBY LEE
OLIVIA STUPKA
TIFFANY STUPKA
JULIE LENNICK
SCOTTY NEWLANDS
ASHLEY MEDEIROS-FELIX
DAMIEN GULDE
CLINTON SOMERTON
ELIZABETH ROSE MORRISS
GARY PRUDENCE
ANDREW BYRNE
MAX LEE
KOBY LEE
OLIVIA STUPKA
TIFFANY STUPKA
| George Baily Mother Bailey Harry Bailey Violet Bert Ernie Ruth Mr. Gower Potter's Thug Tommy Peter Janie Zuzu |
The authors have given the show a lilting title song that will linger in the memory. The score also includes a charmingly old-fashioned
second-act showstopper for Clarence, the Angel seeking his Wings.
The song, in fact is called “Wings” and David Haines as Clarence leads a fantasy production number backed by a chorus line of angels
executing Larry Westlake’s slightly campy choreography.
It provides a touch of levity before the story plunges into the darkly surreal sequence where Clarence shows the despondent George
Bailey what life in Bedford Falls would have been like had he not been born.
This famous sequence is of course where the show’s considerable heart may be found, and Bryan Chamberlain as George Bailey rides
the emotional roller coaster to maximum effect. His performance really centers the show, which works out well since George is on
stage nearly the entire time. His scenes with David Haines effectively point up the incredulity and the wonder George is experiencing.
Chamberlain has a terrific leading lady in Andrea Barker who brings a straightforward charm to the role of Mary, and sings like an angel.
As Henry Potter, the meanest man in town, Lloyd Dean channels some of the residual misanthropy of last season’s Scrooge to create a
cold-hearted curmudgeon; a connivingly realistic antecedent to Haines’ eternally earnest Clarence.
There is also some great ensemble work, notably the finale of the first act where George’s brother Harry is given a hero’s parade by the
townsfolk, while in stark contrast George realizes he might well lose the family business.
In the role of George’s heroic brother, Scotty Newlands gets a chance to show off his powerful voice, joined by an equally strong
Elizabeth Rose Morris as his wife, Ruth.
Joe Cascone earns applause for ensuring that the sentimentality of the piece never becomes overly saccharine. He has also done his usual
wizardry in keeping the action moving without pauses for scenery shifting, aided by Gareth Crew’s mix of light and shadow that helps
maintain the story’s ethereal qualities.
Best of all, It’s a Wonderful Life serves as a reminder to value life and embraces both its joys and its challenges. Only the most cynical
and jaded will not feel a lump in the throat at the final curtain.
second-act showstopper for Clarence, the Angel seeking his Wings.
The song, in fact is called “Wings” and David Haines as Clarence leads a fantasy production number backed by a chorus line of angels
executing Larry Westlake’s slightly campy choreography.
It provides a touch of levity before the story plunges into the darkly surreal sequence where Clarence shows the despondent George
Bailey what life in Bedford Falls would have been like had he not been born.
This famous sequence is of course where the show’s considerable heart may be found, and Bryan Chamberlain as George Bailey rides
the emotional roller coaster to maximum effect. His performance really centers the show, which works out well since George is on
stage nearly the entire time. His scenes with David Haines effectively point up the incredulity and the wonder George is experiencing.
Chamberlain has a terrific leading lady in Andrea Barker who brings a straightforward charm to the role of Mary, and sings like an angel.
As Henry Potter, the meanest man in town, Lloyd Dean channels some of the residual misanthropy of last season’s Scrooge to create a
cold-hearted curmudgeon; a connivingly realistic antecedent to Haines’ eternally earnest Clarence.
There is also some great ensemble work, notably the finale of the first act where George’s brother Harry is given a hero’s parade by the
townsfolk, while in stark contrast George realizes he might well lose the family business.
In the role of George’s heroic brother, Scotty Newlands gets a chance to show off his powerful voice, joined by an equally strong
Elizabeth Rose Morris as his wife, Ruth.
Joe Cascone earns applause for ensuring that the sentimentality of the piece never becomes overly saccharine. He has also done his usual
wizardry in keeping the action moving without pauses for scenery shifting, aided by Gareth Crew’s mix of light and shadow that helps
maintain the story’s ethereal qualities.
Best of all, It’s a Wonderful Life serves as a reminder to value life and embraces both its joys and its challenges. Only the most cynical
and jaded will not feel a lump in the throat at the final curtain.
| CAST |