By Erin Orr
It’s a Wondrous Life is the story about George Bailey’s (Clarence Strohn) life: how he grew up, how he met the love of his life, Mary (Erin Saunders). Til the day that his business rival, Mr. Henry Potter (Chase Dickerson) offers him a job, George starts questioning himself, and he makes a wish that he’d never been born. George Bailey will get a peek at Bedford Falls without him when he gets touched by an angel, Clarence (Kasey Sanderson).
The Off Broadway Theatre always starts off their shows with a cast member introducing the show, bringing audience members who are celebrating their birthday up to the stage and singing to them, and letting the audience know when the heroes and villains are on stage so you can cheer/boo for them.
Co-Directors Sandy Jensen and Zach Reynolds do an amazing job bringing this wonderfully funny script (written by Eric Jensen) to life with a perfect cast. Clarence’sJimmy Stewart impression is spot on. He portrays George in a delightfully goofy way. His wife Mary is played by Erin Saunders. Playing the straight character while everyone around you is getting most of the laughs is not an easy job, but she does it with grace. Setting up the scenes are Douglas MacKinnon and Kasey Sanderson as Alpha Angel and Clarence Oddbody. These two have great dynamic together as teacher and student as the Alpha (Douglas) tells Clarence (Kasey) about George’s life. They do a great job keeping you entertained while there is a scene change going on so there is no waiting in the dark. Playing the kids to George and Mary are Claire Burnham as Zuzu and Nathaniel Ruesch as Nick. These two made me literally say “Awww!” when they got on stage. And their Uncle Billy, played by Jordan Johnson did a great job covering up a mistake that happened when he was making shadow puppets with the kids. Jordan’s character was very lovable, and there were times where I found myself wanting to walk on stage and hug him.
The villains of the show, Mr. Henry Potter (Chase Dickerson) and his follower William Knott (Kyle Dunshee) do an amazing job playing off the audience and their boos. I have to say that my favorite characters were the supporting cast. Harriet Goodwin (Tonya Aikens) and Violet Bick (Jamie Haderlie) are friends that have known each other for their whole lives, and that is the vibe I got from these two actresses. I especially loved Bert Swellman (Austinn Jensen) and Ernie Wright (Eli Unruh), two guys who grew up with George and become roommates. A lot of the slapstick comedy came from these two, and it cracked me up every time.
This cast has a mix of great voices and great chemistry! David Bellis did an awesome job with setting the mood with the lighting design. And the sound cues were right on target! The sets were amazing. Eric Jensen, Clint Lehmberg, Rob Riens and Frank Ackerman really know what they are doing.
Overall, If you are looking for tons of laughs and great comedy look no further than the OBT! This is a great Christmas musical! There is never a dull moment! This one is a MUST SEE for the whole family!
The Off Broadway Theater
It’s a Wondrous Life
Written By: Eric Jensen
272 S. Main Street, Downtown SLC, Utah
November 22nd – December 28th at 7:30 PM
Reserved tickets: Adult: $16, Students / Seniors: $12, Children 12 years and under: $10
Box Office Phone #: 801-355-4628
www.theobt.org
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