Center stages ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Frank Capra’s timeless holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” makes the jump from screen to stage at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.
The play, staged by Up in One Productions, runs from Dec. 2 through Dec. 18.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the story of George Bailey, a small-town everyman who set aside his big dreams to remain in his hometown of Bedford Falls to help others.
Then one Christmas Eve, despondent and facing ruin, Bailey considers suicide but is rescued at the last minute by Clarence Odbody, an unconventional angel seeking to earn his wings.
Together they retrace George’s life in Bedford Falls, taking him back to show him how the world would be for the worse if he’d never been born.
“As they spin through flashbacks and could-havebeen scenarios, we meet, in turn, his family and colleagues and see how the strands of George’s influence, weave among people and events until George comes to realize that one man’s life touches all around him,” an announcement said.
He discovers he indeed, has a wonderful life, the release said.
The play is directed by Diana di Grandi. The cast includes Michael Risio (George), Lou Trapani (Mr. Potter), Jim Hammill (Clarence), Madison Anthony (Mary), Tom Starace (Uncle Billy), Stephany Hitchcock (Mrs. Bailey), Ian Magee (Young George), Michael Clark (Mr. Gower), Kirstin Horn (Violet), Elaine Young (Aunt Flora), joined by a large ensemble cast.
The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is located at 661 state Route 308, Rhinebeck. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, at 8 p.m. and Sundays, at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling (845) 876-3080 or at https://www.centerforperformingarts.org/.