It's A Wonderful Life will get you in the spirit

December 2, 2:09 PMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

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Keely Kritz, Daniel Fosha, and Christine Paterson
in the Arvada Center's A Wonderful Life
Photo by P. Switzer

When you think of December and all the wonderful movies, songs, and television specials that get us in the mood for the holiday season, what tops your list? Miracle on 34th Street? National Lampoons Christmas Vacation? A Christmas Story? All good choices. But there is one movie that trumps them all. It was even ranked at number one on AFIs 100 most inspiring American Movies. Of course I am talking about It’s a Wonderful Life.

The Frank Capra film staring the legendary Jimmy Stewart inspires us all and is one of the most sure fire ways to get me in the holiday spirit. So what happens when a legendary film is made into a stage musical?

It's A Wonderful Life was given the musical make-over in 1990 to become simply A Wonderful Life with music by Joe Raposo and the book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Harnick is perhaps best known for his work on Fiddler on the Roof and Raposo is probably best known for his work on Sesame Street. It is an odd combination of musical talent that collaborated on a project such as this, but would this team of strong talent be able to give this show the musical treatment it deserves?

"Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings."

A Wonderful Life, directed by Bev Newcomb-Madden with musical direction by Martha Yordy, is now playing at the Arvada Center. The story is all there. George Bailey, the small town banker, tired from all the struggles of life and about to commit suicide, is rescued by his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George just how much worse life would have been for all his loved ones if he’d never been born at all, illustrating the true value of his life and reminding him – and us – just how important we are to our family and friends.

Of course there were a few changes and variations on the script, but for the most part everything was there. The one glaring omission for me was the pharmacist scene from the movie, in which George goes deaf in one ear. The fact that George was deaf in one ear always stood out as an important addition to his struggles in life. This version does mention that he is deaf in one ear but never goes into the why. I am sure that it was left out for time, but I felt it was an important aspect of the story that was missing.

"Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."

The production of A Wonderful Life is stunning. There was a clear vision and Newcomb-Madden certainly delivered. Daniel Fosha took on the difficult task of portraying one of the most well known characters in all of entertainment history. As George Bailey, he did not simply do his best Jimmy Stewart impression, instead he made the role his own and kept all the warmth and familiarity that was required for George. Christine Paterson as Mary Hatch was also warm and tender, and actually reminded me quite a bit of Donna Reed. Rich Hick’s Clarence was every bit the adorable and eager angel that we all root for and I particularly loved the cabdriver and the cop - Bert and Ernie. The two roles are small but essential and were perfectly supported by Drew Frady and Joseph Bearss. The performances were all superb; the cast, the chorus, all the supporting roles, and even the adorable children that all took part in this production. Everyone was strong, with the velvety voices that are so important in a holiday musical.

Lowell V. Noel as Matthew with Rich Hicks as Clarence. Photo by P. Switzer

This brings me back to my original question. Did this show get the musical treatment that it deserved? The answer is: mostly. For something as legendary as It’s a Wonderful Life, the music supporting it must be very strong, and the songs in this version are mostly forgettable. Though they were all beautifully performed by a very capable cast and supported by an impeccable orchestra, in the end I sit here now not able to hum a single tune from any song in the show.

Holiday entertainment is a rich tradition, full of White Christmases, Uncle Scrooges, and Grinches Galore. In the end, if the purpose of It’s a Wonderful Life is to get you in the holiday spirit, to bring a few tears to your eyes, and to cause you to listen closely for any ringing bells, in hopes that an angel just got his wings... it succeeds.