People turn to the classics at
Christmas, a feast filled with traditions. "It’s a
Wonderful Life," a film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna
Reed, was released in 1946, and though nominated for five
Academy Awards, received none. It was not an immediate
success, though now it has made the list of the 100 best
American films. It was not turned into a stage play till 1993,
and since then it has been produced throughout the country,
especially at community theaters.
Sunset Playhouse has just launched a very authentic, moving
production of it, one that will certainly please all those who
have grown to love this story and place it among their
Christmas regulars. The staging, the costumes, the interim
music - everything feels very much like the 1940s.
George Bailey is in deep trouble. His business is in ruins,
he feels like a failure and he figures that the world would be
better off without him. Enter an angel trying to earn his
wings by helping his ward see the value of his life. Through a
series of flashbacks, George has the privilege of seeing some
of the good he has done and some of the people whom he has
helped. He also sees how things would have turned out if he
had never existed. Wouldn’t we all like a peek at that
perspective?
You probably all know how the story ends, but it’s still
a worthwhile journey, especially when we accompany George, who
is so well rendered by Ryan Spiering. Spiering captures the
naivete, the earnestness, the enthusiasm, the agony of this
character. Without his consummate skill, this show could fall
on its face.
Other well-portrayed roles include Eamonn O’Neill as the
greedy, ruthless Mr. Potter, and Kara Roeming as George’s
sweet, patient wife Mary. In minor parts, the standouts are
Joan End as the outspoken, efficient Miss Carter, and Annette
Olson as George’s mother.
The guardian angel played by Charles Hanel was also
endearing in his celestial role.
Though the dialogue is a bit outdated and the ending a
little schmaltzy, the story still works because people like to
think about the purpose of their lives and are quite elated
when good overcomes evil. Furthermore, George is a very
likable creature, and we want decent people to come to good
ends. Not to mention, how we want to believe that someone up
there is watching over us at all times.
I liked the rather abstract, minimal set designed by J.
Michael Desper, which universalizes the setting in time and
place, the costume choices made by Kathy Smith and the
lighting effects created by Marty Wallner. Howard Bashinski
pulled all things together as director, and filled in as one
of the townspeople as well.
The house was almost full Sunday, which bodes well for the
run. Many people cherish this story and are looking for
inspiration in the midst of this busy season. They will find
some here. Call (262) 782-4430 for times and tickets. The show
runs through Dec. 21 with a special showing on New Year’s
Eve.
