Displaying items by tag: A Wonderful Life the Musical
TATC's A Wonderful Life is Wonderful Fun
The classic film It’s A Wonderful Life, based on the story The Greatest Gift, is brought to life by Theatre At The Center just in time for the holidays with their latest presentation A Wonderful Life: The Musical. In TATC’s adaptation, the story is intertwined with many big song and dance numbers, one of which stands out is the high school dance scene that includes an enlivened choreographed Charleston competition.
The story takes place in Bedford Falls, where George is met with a series of challenges while a series of incidents keeps him in the quaint town where he reluctantly takes over his father’s building and loans business rather than exploring the world and going to college to become an architect. As with any good story, we have a nemesis, in this case the nefarious Mr. Potter who claims ownership to the town’s largest bank where he can hold residents to high interest and rental rates in his slums. George aims to give the townsfolk a better option. Why should people have to wait until they are old and tired to have a home to raise their family, he asks.
George finds love with his longtime crush Mary, eventually building a family of his own. George might be scrapping by, but he has a loving family and is a source of easy loans for Bedford residents, which enables them to purchase homes with little or no collateral – many deals based on trust rather than the stringent criteria that Potter would require. Thus, he becomes a thorn in Potter’s side.
When the bank calls a loan (on Christmas Eve?) on the building and loans and his Uncle Billy misplaces a hefty deposit, his world quickly comes crashing down. Fraud, imprisonment or worse, he fears. Crawling to Potter, he is denied a loan to bail himself out. It is when he realizes that he is worth more dead than alive, only $500 in equity on a $15,000 life insurance policy, he thinks the unthinkable and (in this adaptation) heads for the train tracks to end it all. Of course, Clarence, his guardian angel, has other plans.
It is when Clarence saves him and George states he wishes he was never born at all, that such a wish is granted. In doing so, George sees the positive affects he has on so very many people and realizes what a “wonderful life” he really has, after all.
David Sajewich plays George Bailey in this classic tale of hope, goodwill and the human spirit. Sajawich, who was last seen at TATC in All Shook Up, does an admirable job as Bailey. It takes a bit of time to warm up to Sajawich as Bailey, though he really cements himself into the role during the scene at building and loans after his father passes and the board is looking for solutions and new leadership. That’s when we really get a feel for George Bailey and his caring nature for the townspeople and animosity towards Potter.
Mary Hatch (soon to be Mary Bailey) is wonderfully played by Allison Sill who so beautifully captures the heart of gold spirit in the character also wowing the audience on many occasions with her accomplished vocal range. James Harms as the evil Henry Potter really gives the second act a powerful punch as his character becomes more and more sinister, while David Perkovich is excellently cast as George’s lovable guardian angel, Clarence. As most every TATC production, we are offered a strong ensemble that can sing and dance with the best of them.
The set, though minimal, is creatively worked to provide (with a bit of audience imagination) the several different locations for the story’s many scenes. Gordon Schmidt lights up the stage with his dazzling choreography, perhaps one of the show’s brightest contributions.
A Wonderful Life: The Musical is the perfect holiday treat whether a fan of the classic film or not. There are plenty of moments in this production that capture the film’s magic and several flashes of wonderment that are created with its own musical numbers.
A Wonderful Life: The Musical is being performed at Theatre at the Center in Munster, IN. For more show information visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
CLUE On Sale Now
18 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game…
Three-time Jeff Award winner Ron OJ Parson to direct Hymn
17 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces renowned Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, making his CST directorial debut.…
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Mannequins Ball, Opening January 23rd
16 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreTrap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its 31st season with a production of the renowned play, The Mannequins' Ball. Written by Bruno…
Teatro ZinZanni's Love, Chaos, and Dinner: A Spectacular Romantic Journey of Joy and Laughter
13 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewUpon entering the beautifully decorated lobby of Teatro Zinzanni theater on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, you are…
This Charles Dickens Gets to the Heart of 'Christmas Carol' In Spectacular Performance
11 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewJust as there are many Santa’s around town, this time of year we have a wide selection of Christmas and…
HUBBARD STREET DANCE CHICAGO RETURNS TO THE HARRIS WITH A WORLD PREMIERE FOR SEASON 47 WINTER SERIES
10 December 2024 in Upcoming DanceToday, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) unveiled the full program for the second performance series of its 2024/2025 season, Season 47: Winter Series.…
An Evening with David Sedaris: The best-selling author and humorist to appear live at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre on April 12
10 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreDavid Sedaris, author of the previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and regular…
Hell in a Handbag Productions Hosts Special Weekend of Benefit Performances During Holiday Run of Rudolph THE RED-HOSED REINDEER An Unauthorized Musical Parody
10 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreHell in Handbag is pleased to host a special weekend of benefit performances during its upcoming 25th anniversary edition of Rudolph the Red-Hosed…
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is Now Playing
10 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Hip Hop Nutcracker has returned to Chicago by popular demand and is now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre…
Join Sweet DeLa and Spicy Jinkx in their irreverent shenanigans
10 December 2024 in Theatre in Review[Reviewer’s Note: I’ve been reading a book whose main character is inveigled by Word of the Day; hence, I’ve striven…
Finally, A Fresh and Fitting Take on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
07 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewLike a lot of people, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women has been mostly a cultural curiosity for much of my…
An AfFAIR to Remember; Joffrey's The Nutcracker A Must See This Holiday Season
06 December 2024 in Theatre ReviewsThere is something magical about Chicago at Christmastime. Even if there is no snow on the ground, there is an…
Broadway in Chicago’s Production of & Juliet is a Jaw-Dropping Blast from Start to Finish
05 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewLights come down at the top of the show. We are clearly in a rehearsal hall as the ensemble lets…
A cop & a night watchman get tangled between right & wrong in Shattered Globe's revival of Kenneth Lonergan’s Lobby Hero, January 24 through March 1 at Theater Wit
04 December 2024 in Upcoming TheatreCharm, romance and humor abound in the 2001 comedic masterpiece Lobby Hero by Kenneth Lonergan, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of…
Thornton Wilder’s The Long Christmas Dinner Radiant Throughout at Bramble Arts Loft
02 December 2024 in Theatre in ReviewImmediately following the gastronomical excesses of Thanksgiving are the monetary investments and personal sacrifices we make for Christmas. At the…
Review: It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! at American Blues Theater
02 December 2024 in Theatre in Review“No man is a failure who has friends,” is to film what “God bless us everyone” is to literature. Frank…
THE CONSPIRATORS ANNOUNCE THE WORLD PREMIERE-ISH OF: AYN RAND'S "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" AS PERFORMED BY THE CONSPIRATORS, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PRESIDENT BIDEN—NO WAIT, LIZ CHENEY, DECEMBER 20 - 22, AT OTHERWORLD THEATRE
28 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Conspirators are proud to present the world premiere of Ayn Rand's "It's a Wonderful Life" as Performed by the Conspirators…
Porchlight Hosts FUN HOME: BEHIND THE SHOW BACKSTORY, Dec. 10 at Ruth Page Center
28 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatrePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce Fun Home: Behind the Show Backstory with Artistic Director Michael Weber, Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7…
MEAN GIRLS is Now Playing
26 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce MEAN GIRLS – the record-breaking new musical comedy adapted from the hit Paramount Pictures film…
Lookingglass Welcomes Founding Ensemble Member David Schwimmer and Chicago Attorney James (Jimmy) Oh to its Board of Directors
25 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreAfter pausing its operations last year to reorganize and create a new business model, Chicago's Tony-Award winning Lookingglass Theatre Company is proud…
Cast and production team announced for Chicago Premiere of Reina Hardy’s GLASSHEART, January 10 – February 23
25 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreCity Lit Theater has announced its cast and creative team for the Chicago Premiere of GLASSHEART, by Chicago-based playwright Reina…
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's 'Season 47 Fall Series' is Sexy Romantic and Powerful
25 November 2024 in Dance in ReviewSteppenwolf's cozy downstairs theater provided the ideal setting for an evening of outstanding and expressive dance by the highly acclaimed…
Goodman Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” Warms Hearts as It Rings in a Joyful Holiday Season
25 November 2024 in Theatre in ReviewI arrived at the Goodman Theatre for the opening of its 47th annual production of A Christmas Carol, directed by…
Don’t Miss this Rollicking Rendition of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus”
25 November 2024 in Theatre in ReviewIf you’re looking for a way to entertain the children (or grandchildren) this holiday season that doesn’t involve long lines,…
A Lovely Night; Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella revives magic at Marriott Theatre
24 November 2024 in Theatre ReviewsIn 1997, Disney came out with the most magnificent adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella that has ever been made.…
Throbbin’ Wood, complete with Merry Men? Count me in!
21 November 2024 in Theatre in ReviewWhat the hell is pantomime anyway? Will I be reviewing a game of Charades? Google to the rescue! But I…
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival returns January 15-26, 2025
21 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreThe Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is pulling strings to raise funds this fall, offering three exclusive sneak peeks of…
Oil Lamp Theater Announces the Cast for its 2025 Season Opener: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), Jan. 24 - Feb. 16, 2025
21 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreOil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its first production of the 2025 season, The Complete…
Half-Price Holidays return to Hot Tix as Chicago theatres get festive for the 2024 holiday season
21 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreChicago theatres will present a wide variety of festive plays, musicals, dance, and comedy offerings this holiday season. In support,…
Steep Theatre Back Early 2025 with A Slow Air
20 November 2024 in Upcoming TheatreSteep Theatre will kick off the new year with the Chicago Premiere of David Harrower's A Slow Air, directed by Steep…
Latest Articles
-
Trap Door Theatre Presents: The Mannequins Ball, Opening January 23rd
Written by Buzz Center StageTrap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its 31st season with a production of the renowned play, The Mannequins' Ball. Written by Bruno Jasieński, The Mannequins' Ball will be directed by Resident Choreographer Miguel Long, and Managing Director Nicole Wiesner. The Mannequins' Ball will play January 23 – March 1,… -
Three-time Jeff Award winner Ron OJ Parson to direct Hymn
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces renowned Chicago director Ron OJ Parson will helm the North American premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti's Hymn, making his CST directorial debut. Chakrabarti has re-imagined her play in the South Side of Chicago, following an acclaimed premiere at London's Almeida Theatre. The…
-
CLUE On Sale Now
Written by Buzz Center StageBroadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy inspired by the Hasbro board game and adapted from the fan-favorite film, will go on sale today, Wednesday, December 18. The show will play at the CIBC…
-
Teatro ZinZanni's Love, Chaos, and Dinner: A Spectacular Romantic Journey of Joy and Laughter
Written by Kimberly KatzUpon entering the beautifully decorated lobby of Teatro Zinzanni theater on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, you are instantly transported to an exquisite, romantic art deco speakeasy. The theater itself is housed under a stunning 100-year-old Belgian Spiegeltent,…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.