Wonderful Life Back for Retelling Again

It’s a Wonderful Life
By Philip Grecian
Based on the film by Frank Capra
Ottawa Little Theatre
Directed by Josh Kemp

If there is anyone out there unfamiliar with the story of how second-class angel Clarence Oddbody finally earned his wings, there are plenty of opportunities to inhale a dose of sentimental goo this Christmas season. As well as the annual TV reruns of the 1946 Frank Capra movie, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, three Ottawa theatres have chosen to mount stage versions.

For my money, even the movie, inspired by Philip Van Doren Stern’s short story The Greatest Gift, is hard to take. The stage version, slow-moving and choppy — because it still harks back to screen style — is a quicksand of treacle with occasional relief.

The current production from Ottawa Little Theatre uses Philip Grecian’s script (as did Kanata Theatre in its radio show version last month). However, OLT opts for a normal play format.

As directed by Josh Kemp, OLT delivers a strong production, despite the many problems presented by the material and a first act that goes on and on and on for more than 90 minutes.

As the white-clad angel Clarence, Dave Coleman brings some welcome sparkle as the story of good Samaritan George Bailey’s life is retold from his selfless youth through countless acts of generosity to despair and his wish that he had never been born. Kemp’s decision to have Clarence converse with the disembodied voices of The Boss (a.k.a God) and senior angel Joseph is an effective touch that adds further sparkle to the listing of George’s disappointments in life. 

Meanwhile, as George, Steve Love wisely makes no attempt to emulate James Stewart, but handles the role in a matter-of-fact way, maintaining a pleasant and accepting view of the world most of the time.

The entire 17-strong cast deliver clear characterizations, even when the script offers little to work with. Standouts are Robert Hicks as both the slimy rent collector Reineman and the drunken pharmacist Gower and Cooper Dunn as young George. Barry Caiger is suitably confused as Uncle Billy and Roy Van Hooydonk delivers a clear portrait of the grasping banker Henry Potter.

Despite the occasional problem with lighting and the repeated need to close the curtain for scene changes, technical aspects, particularly Glynis Ellens’ costuming, support the production well. But there is only so much that can be done with the less than wonderful script of It’s a Wonderful Life.

The Ottawa Little Theatre production of It’s a Wonderful Life continues to December 15.

Director: Josh Kemp

Set: Rachel Hauraney

Lighting: Frank Donato

Sound: Robert Krukowski

Costumes: Glynis Ellens

Cast:

George Bailey……………………………………….Steve Love

Henry Potter…………………………………………Roy Van Hooydonk

Clarence……………………………………………..Dave Coleman

Reineman/Gower/Carter/The Boss………………….Robert Hicks

Bert/Welch/Man on Porch/Joseph…………………..Mike Thompson

Uncle Billy/Chairman of the Board…………………Barry Caiger

Harry/Peter Bailey/Ernie Bishop/Horace……………Kevin Reid

Mary Hatch-Bailey…………………………………..Joey McDougall

Mother Bailey……………………………………….Andree Benson

Violet Bick/Secretary……………………………….Katie Torresan

Young George/Peter Bailey II………………………Cooper Dunn

Young Mary…………………………………………Sabrina Gascho

Young Harry/Tommy Bailey………………………..Owen Sinclair

Young Violet/Janie………………………………….Lucy Sinclair

Zuzu…………………………………………………Sophie Sinclair

Townswoman……………………………………….Nancy Thompson