Back Alley Productions sees vital message in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

Back Alley Production is ending its 2016 season with a Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Director Kaylee Smith says audiences will find that the stage adaptation is true to the content and message of the wellknown movie.

“We are going to make this show very special,” she says. “We have all been touched by Frank Capra’s story. It means a lot to us to be able to bring it to life. While everyone may have seen ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ in some incarnation in the past, our actors will make you forget you’ve seen this story before. There’s such an authenticity and sincerity in their work that it’s sure to bring the Christmas spirit to the local audience.”

The story details the lackluster life of George Bailey, who has given up most of his dreams so that he may help others, principally by keeping greedy banker Mr. Potter from taking control of the small town of Bedford Falls. Now faced with being middle-aged and only minimally successful, George is suddenly thrown into personal crisis that threatens to destroy his business, his faith and his life. That’s when his guardian angel intervenes.

“The message of this story is vital in a year hallmarked by so much tension around the world,” Smith adds. “We felt it appropriate to cap our season off with a reminder that turmoil is temporary, but love, family and faith last forever. It’s a reminder that everyone matters, that we all have a strong effect on the people we love the most and that love is all around us if we look for it.”

Performances continue Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS “It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the story of George Bailey, who in a moment of crisis considers ending his life. Back Alley Productions is presenting a stage adaptation of the wellknown movie as its season finale.