By Josh Curtis
Few Holiday films are as iconic, well-loved, or well-known as Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, which makes staging a live musical version an auspicious and daunting task, yet Hopebox Theatre, in Kaysville, does so “wonderfully.” Based on Capra’s film, with books and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Joe Raposo, Director Alisha Hall has utilized phenomenal leads, a committed ensemble, and a simple set to capture the heart of this holiday classic – as well as those of the audience. The musical follows the story of George Bailey (Jeff Erickson), an unassuming Building and Loan manager, whose life has taken many tragic and unexpected turns away from the goals and dreams he had while young. The audience gets to relive the key moments in George’s life that saw him sacrifice his own future, savings, and plans in order to save others. These challenges have led George to the darkest depth of depression, as he contemplates both suicide, and whether the world would have been better off without him ever having been born. Luckily, his Guardian Angel Clarence (Shaun Carr), who has his own dream of earning wings, intervenes to show George how truly blessed and “rich” he is, and that he, like all of us, has purpose, meaning, and the power to shape the world around him for the better.
While the musical version makes a few alterations to better adapt to a stage, none affect the overall story and message. The set by Curtis Dalton and Jeff Davis is very simple, with a manual turn-table allowing transitions, which has the added benefit of forcing one to focus on the story instead of spectacle. Costumes by Kathy Richmond add color and authenticity to the time periods between the 1920s and 1930s without detracting from what is being conveyed. Further, the choreography by Phil Tuckett is perfectly suited to the music and era, and his Charleston number will have you smiling ear to ear.
It is no coincidence, I believe, that George Bailey is a character who feels the weight of an entire family, town, business, and future on his shoulders, and Erickson carries the show in a similar manner. Erickson has such amazing sincerity and believability in his body language, his movement, his emotion, and his singing. He transitions effortlessly between the younger and optimistic George, to a man literally and figuratively at the end of his rope. Rather than attempt an impersonation of the role created by Jimmy Stewart, Erickson is the “everyman” that we all know, love, admire, and want to cheer for. Perfectly balancing him, and adding an amazing amount of chemistry, is the future Mrs. Bailey, played by Stefanie Carr. Her clear and beautiful tone when singing, and genuine care and support for the man she loves, helps you feel for her just as much as her husband.
Of course the heartfelt story also has its share of antagonists. Playing the drunken Uncle Billy, who is responsible for much of George’s stress, is Ryan Lambert, who is convincing as both frustrating and loveable. Donald Eisenbarth gives us Henry Potter, the Scrooge-like miser who struggles to destroy the Bailey clan. Eisenbarth is delightfully cantankerous, grumpy, and infuriating, and he adds some dynamic levels to key moments in the show.
Many other supporting characters also help this production to shine. Shaun Carr as the angel Clarence has a childlike innocence and joy that is infectious. Chace Smith as Sam Wainwright has a goofy charm and impressive crooning voice during the Charleston number, which partners well with the sassy and quirky Ali Dryg as Karen Zimmer. Of note was one particular young ensemble member, Jacey Lambert, to whom my eyes were drawn, as she nailed all her choreography brilliantly, and happily, and was thus often being watched and followed by the other actors.
Melissa Thomas as Lighting Designer has created an intimate family feel for each scene that isn’t overpowering, and Sound Designer Tony Porter ensured that everyone is heard and his trains, bells, and whistles are all well placed within each scene. Applause should also be given to Todd Wente for Music Direction, as this lesser-known version has no cast albums or YouTube recordings to refer to, yet his cast sounds terrific, and their emotion carries through each number.
Adding to the power of this particular show, is the mission of Hopebox Theatre to, “Bring hope and healing to victims of cancer and their families through the performing arts.” The Wall of Hope recipient for It’s a Wonderful Life is Kelli Nicholls, a dedicated wife and mother of four battling brain cancer. Coincidentally, Joe Raposo, who wrote the music for the show, and also had four children, lost his own fight against cancer in 1989, but I can’t help but think he’d love to know his music was helping give hope to a fellow fighter. After all, the lessons and messages of this holiday tale can help all who are struggling – be it against cancer, depression, the holiday blues, or fear around us. The show says to hold tight to the things most precious, that not all dreams come true, and that life sometimes takes us down unplanned roads. However, despite life’s imperfections, it is full of wonder, and thus a “wonder-full life.” Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville’s It’s a Wonderful Life is not one to miss, and if it’s true that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings, I believe there are a lot of bells ringing in Kaysville tonight.
The Hopebox Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life, books and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Joe Raposo.
Hopebox Theatre, 1700 Frontage Road, Kaysville, Utah 84037
December 6 – 21, 2019 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12-$17
Contact: 801-451-5259
Hopebox Theatre Webpage
Hopebox Theatre Facebook Page
It’s a Wonderful Life Facebook Event
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