By Michael Kennedy
Credit is drying up, banks are running out of money and people are falling behind on their mortgages, begging their lenders to show mercy. This isn’t the nightly news—it’s the storyline of “A Wonderful Life.” A musical adaptation is showing this winter at Derby Dinner Playhouse.
When she selected it last year, Producer Bekki Jo Schneider said she had no idea how timely it would be. In these dire economic times, a heartwarming story of dedication, hard work and family is perfect holiday escapism.
The production was marvelously casted. Tyler Bliss plays the part of George Bailey very well. He’s charming and self-effacing, struggling with the same conflicts that face his silver screen counterpart.
Clarence, played by Cary Wiger, is an accurate absent-minded, kindhearted angel second class, although he’s a bit less concerned with earning his wings in the musical than in the movie. He is tasked by God with the important job of showing Bailey the significance of his own life, preventing him from committing suicide.
The supporting class is also played well, and each character has an excellent singing voice to match their capable acting.
The script, written by Sheldon Harnick and Joe Raposo in the 1980s, is mostly faithful to the movie. The musical opens with Bailey on the bridge, confident he wants to end his life. The story then jumps back, with God showing Clarence the story of Bailey’s life. Throughout, the audience is taken through the life of a man who is bent on leaving his hometown, but can’t ever seem to be able, because of family and moral obligations.
Derby Dinner Playhouse is showing “A Wonderful Life” nightly, along with Sunday and Wednesday matinees. A buffet is included in the price of the ticket. Desserts and drinks cost extra, but tea, coffee and water are included.
Derby Dinner Playhouse is a nice place for a date. It has a fun atmosphere, and is a unique experience. It can get awkward to sit at a four-person table with two strangers though, so get a two-seater table if you can. Another alternative would be to attend a play as a double date; the four-person tables would be perfect for this occasion.
Doors open one hour and 45 minutes before the main act begins, and the buffet begins as the doors open. Thirty minutes before the main act starts, the Footnotes, a group of eight vocalists, warm up the crowd with popular Christmas songs and dancing. At this point, the buffet closes. But desserts are served during both intermissions.
Tickets range from $33 to $49. More information is available at derbydinner.com
