The Frank Capra film classic, "It's a Wonderful Life", has been wonderfully adapted for the stage by the multi-talented Douglas E. Stark. While magnificently directing his creation he also stars in it in a very important role, that of the miserly Mr. Potter. Even though Stark's script is a technical monstrosity Stark's inspired direction includes well known tunes with choreography by Deb Wims. The very long exposition is covered quickly and smoothly. With the numerous scene changes the lighting plot must look like gibberish. Solving the huge technical obstacles Stark's wizardly prevails, making a complicated story into an extremely entertaining piece. His difficulties did not stop as a casting problem arose when an actor became ill. This did not prevent the production from being an entertaining creation.
The glue holding the show together was Sean Patrick Hopkins as George Bailey, the character who decides life is not worth it. The splendid Eddie Curry as Clarence, the angel Second Class trying to earn his wings, naturally saves George from non- existence at the end of the show which makes for a very happy ending. With Doug Stark as Mr. Potter the very talented and huge cast includes the humorous Jeff Stockberger who easily convinced me he was a drunk. Betsy DiLellio gave a good performance as George's wife, Mary.
This stage production of "Its A Wonderful Life" is spectacular. It runs through November 20th.
