“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, THE MUSICAL”
Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The holiday musical at Community Players this year is “It’s A Wonderful Life, The Musical”. Based on the beloved 1946 film, this family friendly musical faithfully follows the familiar story of George Bailey’s life from childhood dreams to midlife disappointments. After George wishes he had never been born, an angel is sent to earth to make his wish come true and we all take the journey to discover whether his time on earth has mattered at all. Cinematically scored, this musical adaptation breathes new life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth, humor and pathos of the original. Director Vinnie Lupino picked a strong leading man to portray George Bailey in Duane Langley who is onstage the entire show. His comic timing as well as his dramatic acting as he wrings every bit of pathos from this role,leaving the audience in tears. So you have the necessary ingredients for a very successful Christmas musical that audiences of all ages can enjoy thoroughly from start to finish. The musical score adds layers to these well known characters from the movie version especially Mary Hatch’s character as the audience discovers she yearned for George all through high school by being madly in love with him as she reveals in “My George Bailey.” Bravo on a job well done!
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