December 3, 2008

‘A Wonderful Life’ is winning family fare

Arvada Center shares classic Christmas
favorite in musical stage show

By Roxanne King

If you’re not teary by the time little Zuzu says, following the tinkling of a bell, “Look, Daddy, teacher says every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings,” you simply don’t have a heart.

That well-known line from the 1946 Frank Capra film “It’s a Wonderful Life” affirms the success of Clarence, an apprentice guardian angel who tries to earn his wings by saving the compassionate but despairing George Bailey, a small town savings and loan owner who has spent his life protecting the citizens of Bedford Falls from the greedy banker Henry Potter, from suicide by revealing to him how significant his life has been to others.

The heartwarming film starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore celebrates the value of everyman and the spirit of generosity, which made it a Christmas classic.

If you like the film, you won’t want to miss the musical version of the story for the stage, “A Wonderful Life.” Created by writer-lyricist Sheldon Harnick and composer Joe Raposo, the joyful musical is being presented now through Dec. 28 at the Arvada Center.

Directed by Bev Newcomb-Madden and featuring local talent, the skilled cast includes Daniel Fosha as George Bailey, Rick Hicks as Clarence, and Christine Paterson as Mary Hatch. The capable supporting cast includes Mark Rubald as Henry Potter, David Langhoff as Sam Wainwright and Ben Dicke as Harry Bailey.
The well-paced show includes able vocal performances, a lively rendition of the Charleston competently performed by the ensemble cast, beautiful period costumes, and sets that evoke the right atmosphere, whether in the Bailey’s living room or on main street in Bedford Falls.

“A Wonderful Life” is being billed as “the perfect holiday reminder of just how important our loved ones are—and how important we are to them.” It is, indeed, wonderful family fare for the holiday season.