“Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its wings”
This classic story with a movie perfect ending is charming, funny, and heart-warming. If you are looking for a nostalgic holiday production this season, look no further than IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Lyric Arts in Anoka.
Based on the beloved 1946 Frank Capra film, we follow the major life events of George Bailey. He has spent his entire life selflessly putting everyone else in his family and the town of Bedford Falls ahead of himself. But on Christmas Eve, in the face of financial disaster, George finds himself wishing he had never been born. With the promise of finally earning his wings, eager-to-please guardian angel Clarence takes action to show just how different life would be for his loved ones if he wasn’t there.
I have seen the movie a few times but honestly couldn’t remember most of the plot points so it was fun to sit back and see how the story played out. Interwoven throughout the show was the use of videos projected onto the set. From black and white reels of George as a child to creating the various settings throughout the town, it was a wonderful tool to bring the little town of Bedford Falls to life. The ensemble cast played multiple roles filling out the world of Bedford Falls and giving the important backstory about the important people in George Bailey’s life.
The chemistry between Raúl Arámbula as George Bailey and Eva Gemlo as Mary Hatch Bailey made for a hilariously cute courtship on stage. Warren Sampson as the greedy Mr. Potter made the whole audience love to hate him, everytime he wronged the Bailey family our Sunday afternoon audience would boo him. He truly embodied the spirit of Mr.Potter and played opposite the kind-hearted George Bailey so perfectly.
The rest of the cast includes Rick Wyman, Kayli McIntyre, Aaron Gaumer, Grant Hooyer, Doni Marinos, Cary Kent, Steven Ramirez, Christy C. Johnson, Lily Meer, Maeve Catherine Stack, Ainsley Dirkse, Ben Steuve, and at the performance I attended Hannah Bakke as Ma Bailey.
If Anoka is a further drive for you make a day trip out of it! We had a wonderful time exploring Anoka before attending the show and highly recommend checking out the holiday specials at Avant Garden- some DELICIOUS pre-show coffee options with a super cozy atmosphere.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE runs through December 19th. For more information and tickets: https://www.lyricarts.org
Lettered in Theatre 