It’s a wonderful life: a show that increases in entertainment level as it progresses.
It’s a Wonderful Life Adapted by Philip Grecian Based on the Frank Capra movie. Kanata Theatre Directed by Tom Kobolak
The clanging of a large bell has long been Kanata Theatre’s traditional way of signaling that the show is about to begin. The tradition continues during the company’s 50th anniversary season.
The tinkling of the small bells during the current show to announce that an angel has earned his/her wings is part of another tradition — the repeat of a version of It’s a Wonderful Life. The original 1946 movie by director Frank Capra, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, is available on television over the holiday season each year and one of the stage radio show adaptations — three different production are being presented in Ottawa before Christmas — is available for those who enjoy another dose of sentimentality. (For the record, the Capra movie was inspired by the Philip Van Doren Stern story The Greatest Gift.)
The storyline centres around the self-sacrificing George Bailey, who gives up his dreams for others and spends his life helping those in need. Eventually disillusioned and heading for suicide, he is saved when second-class angel Clarence demonstrates the value of the generous life that George has lived.
As presented by Kanata Theatre, director Tom Kobolak and his cast deliver some attractive sequences in this version of It’s a Wonderful Life, particularly in Act II. Handling a cast of 18, playing multiple roles in the dual capacity of the characters and the radio actors is a challenge and, until the cast developed a comfortable rhythm on opening night, the early sections dragged rather than flowed.
Bernie Horton handles the key role of George competently and wisely makes no attempt to emulate movie star James Stewart. In the dual role of the angel Clarence and Potter, the slimy banker, as well as a couple of other cameos, Brian McManus delivers well-contrasted characterizations.
Attractive lighting and some informative back projections, as well as the occasional song and funny advertisements, add a further dimension to a show that increases in entertainment level as it progresses.
It’s A Wonderful Life continues at Kanata Theatre to November 17.
Director and set designer: Tom Kobolak
Lighting: Torin Zaugg
Sound: Justin Ladelpha
Costumes: Maxine Ball
Cast:
Young girls………………….Bethany Olszewski, Portia Garnons-Williams
Young boys………………….Joey Donohue, Aidan Koops
Women………………………Rhiannon Henkelman, Lorraine McInnis, Mary Ellen Vice Men…………………………. Mike Hammond, Bernie Horton, Lionel King, Brian
McManus, Richard Murray, Bruce Rayfuse, Harold
Swaffield
Broadcast technicians……….Jacquie Blair, Nihan Kavaslar
Harp/piano…………………..Miriam Fitzgerald
Foley artist…………………..Tania Nadelle