Players By The Sea: It’s a Wonderful Life

Holiday favorite is a treat the whole family can share!
November 30- December 15
by James W. Rodgers  - Comedy/drama and Directed by Bob Pritchard

Your favorite holiday heart-warmer comes to life on our Mainstage! Players by the Sea presents It’s a Wonderful Life November 30 through December 15 as a treat the whole family can enjoy together. Director Bob Pritchard has assembled a cast of 28 actors for this faithful stage adaptation of the classic Christmas film. Everyone knows the story of George Bailey, who fears that his life has been a failure and is ready to end it all on Christmas Eve. Clarence, an angel trying to earn his wings, takes George in hand and shows him that the help he has given others throughout his life has made a real difference in the small community of Bedford Falls and that the love and respect he has earned are worth far more than monetary riches. Happily, George is reunited with his family and Clarence earns his wings.

The opportunity to share this well-loved story, with its many lively character roles, brought out familiar favorites, past Pelican award-winners and nominees, and some welcome newcomers. Talented young Joseph Walz is making his PBTS debut as George. Pelican award-winner Miranda Lawson, last seen singing and dancing up a storm in Cabaret and Bat Boy, plays Mary, the love of George’s life. Their kindly guardian angel Clarence is played by Larry Fairall, who has done humorous and serious turns on our stage in Inspecting Carol and A Delicate Balance. Jack Bernard, one of the Beaches’ most reliable character actors, is blundering Uncle Billy. Redgie Gutshall enjoys playing hard-hearted tycoon Mr. Potter so much that this is his third time in the role. (We think he just likes riding in that wheelchair.)

Gayle Featheringill, with credits far too numerous to mention (and a table full of awards to show for it) plays Ma Bailey. David Boyer, another longtime Players veteran, appears as Mr. Gower. Bill White, last seen as the not-so-genial Cabaret owner Max, is Pa Bailey. Steve McMahon (The Odd Couple), Anthony Hodge (Tuna Christmas), Annette Page (All the Way Home), Robert Thames (Auntie Mame, All the Way Home), Sam Willis (Cabaret, Bat Boy) and Heather Goodling (All the Way Home) have all enlivened recent productions and are back as the various, colorful citizens of Bedford Falls. Board Member Maria Nordan, whose friendly face is often seen in the box office, is taking a turn on-stage as Miss Andrews. Newcomers to watch are Kevin Raleigh, Zdravko Rozic, Tom Peterson, Ruth Thomas, Ashley Chlelous, Kendra McNatt and Jennifer Mears. Jacob Goodling, who was a street kid in All the Way Home, plays George as a boy. Also returning from All the Way Home is Chris Fox, playing George’s son Tommy. George’s daughter Janie is played by Suzanne Scheuble. The brood also includes two young second-generation actors, Andy Ratliff, son of Pelican award-winner Bill Ratliff (Bat Boy, The Lion in Winter) and Sara McCawley, daughter of talented singer Ingrid McCawley (Pirates of Penzance, Quilters).

Experienced Stage Manager Merrilyn Opendo keeps the large cast organized. Technical Director David Paul has constructed a multi-level set that suggests many locales in Bedford Falls. Costumers Camala Pitts and Dorinda Grogan have created an authentic 1940’s look.

Bob Pritchard directed two previous productions of It’s a Wonderful Life for his Jacksonville Stage Company. He recently directed Limelight Theatre’s atmospheric production of Frankenstein. A skilled and versatile actor, his most recent (and hilarious) performance at Players was as an out-of-control actor disastrously playing Scrooge in Inspecting Carol. He’s bringing his energetic vision, unfailing enthusiasm and deft comedic touch to this great holiday show. Performances of It’s a Wonderful Life are 8:00 PM November 30, December 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 PM December 2 and 9. Tickets are $18 for Adults, $15 for Students, Sr. Citizens and Military. For reservations call 249 0289 or vist www.playersbythesea.org.