The cast of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ will bring the musical version of the beloved tale to Encore Theatre starting Friday.
Submitted Photo | Courtesy of Sarah Glover Crawford
LIMA — Most people who celebrate Christmas know the story of George Bailey, the main character of the 1946 movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
But beginning Friday with a show at 8 p.m., Lima audiences will get a chance to experience Keith Ferguson and Bruce Greer’s musical adaptation at Encore Theatre.
“Well, we wanted to pick a show that we knew had a lot of recognition and the classic feel that people always look for at Christmas time, but also had a little different spin on it,” said director Sarah Glover Crawford. “So it’s the movie that everybody knows and loves and trusts, but it’s got a little bit of a twist to it that makes it a little more new and exciting as well.”
Crawford said that although it is her first musical as a director, she has an amazing production crew, including a large cast and music director Terri Spencer.
“She is absolutely incomparable and fabulous,” she said. “She’s done many musicals, so I’ve been kind of the Luke Skywalker to her Obi-Wan Kenobi. And with it being a musical, there’s dancing and choreography and all sorts of things that go into it. And it’s a large cast. It’s about 40 people and it’s children, teenagers and adults or, as we call them, littles, middles and bigs. And I just have so much more going on with it than a play would in regards to all the different elements involved.”
And with stars like Anthony Rivera, who plays George, also putting in the time so enthusiastically, it is easy to see why Crawford feels so confident.
“This is actually my first lead role in a musical so it’s sort of a dream come true,” said Rivera, who works as a psychologist and previously performed in Encore Theatre’s production of “Clue,” also directed by Crawford. “I’ve really loved watching musicals ever since I was a kid. But because it’s a lead role, it’s been a lot more work. And since I actually commute from where I live in Toledo to ONU in Ada every day for about an hour trip, I use that to practice my lines every day. So I’d say give myself a couple of hours a day to try and practice my lines most days. We’re learning the songs and then we rehearse every day on Sunday through Thursday from six to eight or nine-ish. So it’s been a long journey, and it’s been a little bit stressful, but also really enjoyable and fun.”
Judging by Crawford’s praise of the cast, that hard work is sure to pay off.
“I’m so incredibly pleased and proud of this cast,” she said. “I mean, it really is a cast full of George Baileys. They’re good people, many of whom are new to the theater, who are being a part of this because they want to be a part of something exciting and interesting and tell a beautiful story.”
And for Rivera, especially, it means a lot to be able to take the role in the story that his entire family loves and spread the same message and the hope and Christmas joy it inspires in him.
“My grandfather really loved the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and he’s passed away, but Christmastime always reminds me of him,” said Rivera. “So just to be able to see people smile during the holiday season, whereas sometimes it can be kind of sad for certain people during the holidays is a good feeling.”
Crawford, for her part thinks that she knows why the story hits home for so many people.
“I think one of the reasons that ‘Wonderful Life’ resonates with so many people is that we all know a George Bailey,” she said. “We all know someone who is just a good person doing good to others. But without that person, our lives would be so different. And many people don’t realize they themselves are someone else’s George Bailey. I think that’s why ‘Wonderful Life’ is so touching so many people. It’s because it’s a very attainable story for many people. We know George Baileys and we could be a George Bailey.”
For more information on the musical and ticket sales, visit the Encore Theatre website, http://www.amiltellers.org. The play will run Friday through Sunday and Dec. 15 through Dec. 18. All times are 8 p.m. except Sunday matinee performances, which are at 2 p.m.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “It’s a Wonderful Life”
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as Dec. 15, 16 and 17; 2 p.m. Sunday as well as Dec. 18
WHERE: Encore Theatre, 991 North Shore Drive, Lima
Tickets are $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, $12 for students and $10 for youth ages 10 and under. Tickest can be purchased at http://www.amiltellers.org.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
