by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas. The Lazzara Family Foundation and the Tom Nehl Fund of the Community Foundation has a present for theatergoers of all ages – an absolutely delightful production of the stage version of It’s a Wonderful Life. The l946 Frank Capra movie has been an American Classic that has shown up on television every Christmas for many years and is as much a part of this season as Santa Claus. If you love the movie, then the Player’s version with live actors will be a real treat and sure to please.
It is the sentimental story of George Bailey, who has worked all his life in a small town, thinking he has failed. He tries to end his life, but his guardian angel, Clarence (Larry Fairall), shows how important he has been to the lives of loved ones.
This is one of Director Bob Pritchard’s favorite plays and he directed it several years ago for JaxStage Company at Jacksonville University. Pritchard has assembled large and excellent cast, which will be sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Well-known Orange Park actor Joseph Walz, makes his debut with PbtS, and is absolutely perfect for the role of George. Walz, who is better-known for leading roles in many musicals with Orange Park Community Theatre, is a very solid actor and has the charisma and compassion to really be convincing.
Miranda Lawson, well known for her musical theatre roles with the Alhambra, Jacksonville University, and PbtS, shows us her versatility as an actress in a warm and loving performance as Mary, George’s ever-faithful wife.
Andy Ratliff, Christopher Fox, Suzanne Scheuble and Sarah McCawley play George and Mary’s adorable children and I am sure you are going to see them in future shows around town. Redgie Gutshall plays the evil Mr. Potter. He is playing this role for the third time and his performance is absolutely riveting. You could hear hisses from the audience as Gutshall’s villain spread his poison as the heartless landlord.
Actors like to work with Director Pritchard, and you will recognize many lead actors taking supporting roles: Gary Baker, Jack Barnard, David Boyer, Gayle Featheringill, Anthony Hodge, Steve McMahon and Sam Willis. Their considerable talents add much to the production values. Other familiar faces include Jacob Goodling, Heather Goodling, Maria Nordan, Annette Page and Bill White. Making their PbtS debuts were Ruth Thomas, Zdravko Rozie, Kevin Raleigh, Tom Peterson, Jen Mears, Kendra McNatt and Ashley Chlebus.
Designed by Joseph Schwarz, the set is very visually interesting, with the Bailey household on the right and the left side. For all other scenes the stage is set by moving furniture on and off. The lighting scheme is detailed due to the number of scenes, but lightboard operator and stage manager Merrylin Opendo had things well in hand and running smoothly. Technical Director David Paul added necessary snow effects. (You can’t have a Christmas play without snow.) The clothing styles and period-appropriate music will take you back to the depression era and the l940s.
The actors should thank PbtS Executive Director Joseph Schwarz, who designed and created the program. I can’t recall ever seeing such extensive biographies for such a large cast.
Pack up the entire family to see this one and bring along your friends. It is a perfect play for people who want to feel good. This is also a play with a message. You will want to ask yourself the question: how many people can you name where your actions made a significant impact on their life?
This comedy/drama by James W. Rodgers will run through December l5, at Players by the Sea, 106 Sixth Street North, Jacksonville Beach. Call (904) 249-0289 for information and reservations. Visit their website at playersbythesea.org. It has a wonderful cast, a wonderful story, and indeed, it is a wonderful life.
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