In 1946, Frank Capra directed James Stewart and Donna Reed in what would become one of the greatest Holiday classics of all time, It's A Wonderful Life. Now Stoneham Theatre's Artistic Director, Weylin Symes, brings his adaptation of this Holiday favorite to the stage.
It's A Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a business man who has dedicated his life to the people of his town, Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses an $8,000 bank deposit for George's modest building and loan company, allowing rich skinflint Potter to take over George's business as well as the entire town. Thinking that his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off without him, George contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in an angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George Realize how important he is and that it's a wonderful life.
"I wanted to do It's A Wonderful Life again, not only because it is such a beautiful story, but because it's timeless," Producing Artistic Director Weylin Symes shared. "In these tough economic times, I think many people can relate to this story. Sometimes it's easy to focus on the negative. I want people to sit back and think about everything in life that truly is wonderful. The holidays are a great time to reflect on that."
It's A Wonderful Life is directed by Artistic Associate Caitlin Lowans (Lumberjacks in Love, The Full Monty) and stars Mark Linehan as George, Erin Brehm as Mary, Bobbie Steinbach as Potter, Gerard Slattery as Uncle Billy, and William Gardiner as Clarence.
Stoneham Theatre presents It's A Wonderful Life