MARYSVILLE — The story of George Bailey, immortalized in the 1946 Frank Capra film, is presented in a different form by an earnest and talented group of community thespians through Dec. 13 at the Red Curtain Arts Center.
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” a two-act play adapted from the movie by James W. Rodgers, is about an Everyman of the Greatest Generation.
It’s about your grandfather, who perhaps never completely followed his dreams and never left his hometown.
He’s a beloved good guy, who having come through the Great Depression, suffers a devastating blow to his business, which he believes dooms his family’s livelihood and the trust of his neighbors.
It’s Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls and George Bailey is standing on the river bridge contemplating suicide, wishing he had never been born.
The play was first produced just 22 years ago. In its 90 minutes (including intermission), the play takes the viewer back in time through the major events of Bailey’s life. Many scenes from the well-known movie are only alluded to in the play.
In the opening scene, for example, Bailey’s guardian angel only mentions that George had saved his brother’s life after Harry fell through pond ice when they were boys. In the interest of brevity and accessibility to community and school theater groups, the play drops a few memorable parts of the movie.
My husband, a fan of the Capra movie, missed Zuzu’s petals. For those who remember, in one scene George talks to his youngest daughter about a rose she received at school. As a few petals fall off, George “pastes” them back on, hiding the petals in his pocket. When Bailey — who has been shown how bleak his community is without him — is praying at the bridge to get his life back, he reaches into his pocket.
Zuzu’s petals are there.
The Red Curtain folks carry off this simpler stage version of “It’s a Wonderful Life” with great confidence. The message is clear that even small gestures of good will can change lives.
Director Beckye Randall and her crew have done well.
Colin Parker Stephens is great as George Bailey. It helped that Stephens had no intention of playing the character as Jimmy Stewart did in the movie. Because of that, it was easier to see the story fresh and better enjoy its timeless message.
Mary Kay Voss is delightful in the role of Clara Odbody, the guardian angel. No, not Clarence. Clara.
And again, the difference in approach helped the audience not to compare the production with the movie.
Mary Hatch Bailey is played by Chrissy Dott, who may have watched Donna Reed as Mary in the film, but who nevertheless makes the character fun and believable.
Among others who do well in the production are Richard Morris as Mr. Gower, Vicki Lynn Maxey as Mother Bailey, Chaz Pitman and Janice Hastings as Uncle Billy and Aunt Tilly, Steve Smith as Bert the policeman, Colleen Cappelletti as Violet and Dan Niven as the mean Mr. Potter.
Rounding out the cast are Scott Randall, Noah Mooring, Edward Scott, Stephen Waters, Pat Brady, Christie Harrell, Jeff Lemke, Jackie Glassman, Samantha Hogue, Trevor Glassman, Isabelle Acoba and little Kara Glassman as Zuzu Bailey.
The Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts has stepped up to provide community theater in north Snohomish County after the loss of several theater groups in the area over the years.
The group’s good intentions should be rewarded with good audiences for this good show.
Red Curtain could also use some financial support as well. The former lumber building on Grove Street that the group has rented for the past two years has been sold and Red Curtain has until the end of the year to move out.
The remainder of the Red Curtain theater season will go on as planned, whether it’s in a new home or in a rented space.
To learn more about how to help, go to www.redcurtainfoundation.org.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
If you go
“It’s a Wonderful Life”: Directed by Beckye Randall, the play continues its run at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 13 at Red Curtain Arts Center, 1410 Grove St., Marysville. For tickets, call 360-322-7402.
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