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A Wonderful Life
Adapted from the Frank Capra film
Book and Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Music by Joe Raposo
Directed and Choreographed by Stacey Flaster
Musical Direction by William A. Underwood
At the Theatre at the Center
1040 Ridge Road
Munster, IN
Call 219-836-3255 www.theatreatthecenter.org
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 2 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2:30 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2:30 & 6 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with intermission
Through December 21, 2008
Slick production values, fine cast and excellent choreography makes A Wonderful Life a nice holiday show
Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo’s musical version of the famous Frank Capra film has never quite reached audiences over the last few years. Was it the mediocre score or the staging? Whatever it was, A Wonderful Life seemed a show destined to the ranks of mediocrity. That is, until a young and talented choreographer, Stacey Flaster, boldly tackled both the direction and the choreography of the show. Wow! What a difference she made!
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Flaster’s vision was large; she started by casting the very likable Rod Thomas to play George Bailey; she also cast the fantastic singer/actor Natalie Ford as Mary. With these two leads in place, Flaster taped into Chicago’ pool of terrific veteran actors--James Harms, Dale Benson, Skip Lunby, Ron Keaton, Robert Hildreth and Mary Redmon for key roles. She added an energetic ensemble of young dancers to make this show move at a higher level than previous productions. This blend of music, dance, comedy and heartwarming drama played by this exquisite cast in a tight and flowing production makes Stacey Flaster’s A Wonderful Life into the surprise treat of the season. This isn’t the show you might have seen in the past—rather, it is performed a higher level. This most professional mounting we’ll please you.
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Set in Bedford Falls in the late 1920’s through the 1940’s, A Wonderful Life is George Bailey’s story. He is that guy who always put his own ambitions aside to help his fellow man. He believes that he is a failure in life because he never acquired wealth and power. When a crisis occurs, his desperation leads him to the brink and Clarence (the cute Jim Harms), angel second-class, shows him what the world would be like if he never was born. The universal lessons come across dramatically in this production.
Flaster’s vision led to her use impressive staging, smart choreography that added a wholesomeness that was refreshingly pleasing. Rod Thomas, Jim Harms and Dale Benson were outstanding. Natalie Ford’s golden voice especially in the “I Couldn’t Be With Anyone But You” love song. was most impressive. Jim Harms’ Clarence earns his wings as he helps George to see how many lives he has touched with his life making him realize that his life was indeed wonderful. The Theatre at the Center’s production is indeed a sure family-friendly holiday musical.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: November 21, 2008
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