A classic holiday favorite is live on stage and accompanied by orchestral music, singing and dancing when Theatre Bristol presents the regional premier of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The musical is performed Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 4-6, at the Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, Tennessee. Tickets are on sale at ParamountBristol.org/wonderfullife.
Based on the beloved film and holiday tradition, the musical follows George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, to see whether his life has mattered at all to the residents of Bedford Falls. Cinematically scored and theatrically staged, this adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth, humor and pathos of the original.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is an uplifting and touching story for audiences of all ages, featuring George Bailey as played by Michael Trotter-Lawson and Mary Hatch Bailey by Madison Barnes, and children Janie Bailey by Abigail Smith, Zuzu Bailey by Eliza Brown, Pete Bailey by Aaron Westfall and Tommy Bailey by Blake Bays.
Visiting earth to earn his wings, angel Clarence is played by Richard Albright, while celestial host Joseph is played by James Higdon and senior angel Franklin by Ned Zeiler.
The ruthless Henry Potter is played by Chris McVey, Potter’s Goon by Sylas Lawson, and Potter’s employee Mr. Reineman is played by James Higdon.
Mother Bailey is played by Susan McNabb and Pop Bailey by Tony DeVault, Harry Bailey by David Brooks and his wife Ruth Dakin Bailey by Lynnzie Yarber, Uncle Billy is played by Dan Gray, and cousin Tilly by Cristy Robinson. Mary’s mother Mrs. Hatch is played by Caitlyn Westfall and brother Marty Hatch by Dani Freeman.
George and Mary’s chums include Violet Bick played by Camille Gray, Sam Wainwright by Deklan Thomas, cab driver Ernie by Scott Hill, and police officer Bert by Dani Freeman.
The bank examiner Mr. Carter is played by Mike Todd and bank teller Shirley by Annie Brenner. Customers of the Bailey Building and Loan are Italian immigrants Mrs. Martini played by Annie Brenner and Mr. Martini by Cam Ragsdale, and Mrs. Davis played by Susan McNabb, Randall by Tony DeVault, Charlie by John Runde, Mrs. Thompson by Amy Reid, Tom by Scott Hill, and Ed by Dani Freeman.
The mayor of Bedford Falls is played by Mike Todd, sheriff by Silas Lawson, Salvation Army man by John Runde, pharmacist Mr. Gower by Ned Zeiler, shop owner Joe Hepner by Tony DeVault, and residents and chorus include Jessie Rhea, Kealee Bowman, Jocelyn Broyles, Amelia Pitcher, Scarlett Todt, Evelyn Westfall, Carlie Whitaker, Abby Cheek, Charli Cheek, Reese Davis, Kiera Leonard and Willow Maine.
Veteran director and actor Kenn Naegele, with most recent directing credits of “Annie,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Oklahoma” and “Steel Magnolias,” directs this classic Christmas favorite. He is supported by stage manager Beverly Moody, music director Susan McNabb, choreographer Amy Reid, tech director and lighting designer Albert Tester, assistant director Tyler Bishop, assistant music director Seth Gilstrap, costume designer Adriel Slaughter, assistant costumer Katie Cheek, props artisan Rebecca Ryan, scenic artist Spencer Brenner, graphic designer Camille Gray, run crew Ann Vance, Terra White, Avery White, Roxie Lawson, Nicole Intagliata, Bentley Forinash, Sarah Maxfield, and Leslie Jarrett, and scenic coordinator and producer Samantha Gray.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” opens Nov. 20 and runs for the weekends prior to and following Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 20-22 and Dec. 4-6, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $12 (with fees for $17.50) to $28 (with fees for $33.50). Reservations may be made at ParamountBristol.org/wonderfullife.
This project is funded in part under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial celebrating Tennessee America 250.
For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625 or email info@theatrebristol.org.
