By Russ Tarby
Contributing Writer
One of the world’s most beloved holiday films, Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” has been adapted for the stage by James Rogers. Capra’s 1946 movie starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed was based on a story by Philip Van Doren Stern.
CNY Playhouse in DeWitt has mounted a marvelous stage version starring Jordan Glaski and Kimberly Grader that is running through Dec. 17.
Although its opening scene finds our hero, George Bailey, contemplating suicide, over the course of the play an unexpected turn of events inspires its many characters to overcome personal and financial setbacks as they rediscover a true sense of community.
Beside the convincing couple — Glaski as the dreamer George and Grader as his cheerful but more practical wife, Mary — other outstanding performances are turned in by Marguerite Fulton-Newton as Mother Bailey, John Krenrich as Clarence the angel, R. Bernard Ment as the town drunk, Lauren Puente as Violet Peterson and Chris Best as Uncle Billy.
As the money-grubbing bad guy of Bedford Falls, Henry F. Potter, actor William Edward White nearly steals the show. His villainous wheelchair-bound financier drawls orders unctuously and practically spits at the town’s do-gooders and “riff-raff,” including George. Potter mocks George’s altruism and belittles his business acumen.
Among the little people Potter scorns are Mr. and Mrs. Martini, well-played by Issaiah Vergara and Libby Montecalvo, immigrants who Potter characterizes as “garlic eaters.”
Bill White commands attention whenever he’s onstage, but his character’s uncharitable worldview is ultimately outnumbered by the two dozen characters who gather on Christmas day to rediscover themselves and each other.
The show’s director, Bill Lee, fully realizes the importance of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Lee’s capable direction keeps the pacing brisk as a blizzard as he moves his massive cast on and off stage without tripping all over each other. The blocking is complicated by the necessity of actors hauling set pieces on and off the stage, an approach brainstormed by Lee and scenic designer Jesse Bender which allows for more than a half dozen scene changes.
Costuming by Korrie Taylor and assistants Colleen Creeden-Baldwin and Libby Montecalvo evoked mid-1940s with sharp suits, ties and fedoras and an impressive grey overcoat for Clarence. Ladies such as Lauren Puente as the vivacious Violet fared even better fashion-wise. In Act 2 Puente sports a gorgeous mink coat and a low-backed grey gown with a sparkling art deco bodice.
Puente also choreographed Act 1’s Charleston dance sequence which looked good but lasted a couple minutes too long.
Having directed and acted in plenty of productions down Cortland way, Bill Lee certainly has the know-how to cast roles, build a set and block the show. But besides tradecraft, this director demonstrates a heartfelt appreciation for the play’s universal message.
In his director’s note, Lee writes, “In our current season of unsettledness, I hope our audience arrives to be filled with a redemptive spirit and a renewed hope.”
Bill Lee and CNY Playhouse have done their part. The next move is up to you.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” produced by Dan Rowlands, runs at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday Dec. 8, 9, and 10 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, and at 8 p.m. Dec. 15, 16 and 17, at CNY Playhouse located near the Macy’s entrance at DeWitt’s ShoppingTown Mall; Tickets cost $17 on Thursday and Sunday, and $20 on Friday and Saturday; 885-8960; cnyplayhouse.com.
