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It's A Wonderful Life



“Each person’s life touches so many other lives…”

On Sunday, Bruce and I walked up to our neighborhood preforming arts theater called ArtsWest at "the Junction".  

It's A Wonderful Life is playing from December 3-27th and I didn't want to miss it.  It just happens to be one of my all-time favorite movies.  We watch it every year at Christmas time.  Nick and Lauren were forced to watch it every year at Christmas time.  Now, Bruce is not only forced to watch it every year at Christmas time with me but to also accompany me to the play.  Needless to say, I know every line in the movie.  I love all the characters and love the story line of how one man's sacrifices affect so many lives of people in the town.  This version of It's A Wonderful Life was an adaptation written by Helen Pafumi and Jason Lott, a one-person retelling of Frank Capra's classic film.  

It was like storytelling time by an exceptional actor, Andrew Lee Creech. He was so captivating. Not only was he able to conjure up the energy to convince, entertain, and compel for 70 minutes, all on his own, but he was also excellent at portraying all the unique characters through gestures and poise - and able to flip back and forth between them in an instant.  There were a few prompts including sound prompts, but that's all.
I think it might have been slightly confusing if you didn't know the story.  The first half of the play was the whole back story of George Bailey and all the characters of Bedford Falls.  I loved this part because I love all the characters and the dialogue was word-for-word from the movie.  I almost found myself reciting along and had to restrain myself from blurting out, "Oh, I love this part!".  
 

Once George goes back into the world where he never existed, the lighting changed to orange, giving a mysterious effect.



My favorite part of this section is the character Nick, who worked at Martini's bar.  He turned out so mean when living in Pottersville.  He ended up throwing George and Clarence out of the bar and making fun of Mr. Gower, who came panhandling, now a drunk.  Andrew Lee Creech was excellent portraying all of them.  


Andrew Lee Creech was also very good at expressing how devastated George was when Potter told him, "You're worth more dead than alive!"  And then again, after George saw how life was without him and how badly he wanted to go back. " Clarence, help me Clarence, please!  Get me back!  I want to live again".

And then, of course, the best part of all; George running through the streets of Bedford Falls saying Merry Christmas to everyone, even the bank examiners.  "Hello, Mr. Bank Examiner! Isn't it wonderful, I'm going to jail!"  


It just brings tears to your eyes, it's so heartwarming.  I wouldn't mind going back for a second showing and letting Andrew Lee Creech tell me the story all over again.
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings"


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