Hershey Area Playhouse Presents IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Beginning Tonight

Just in time for the holiday season, Hershey Area Playhouse is proud to present It's A Wonderful Life, a timeless classic known for the famous line, "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."

It's a Wonderful Life is a familiar story that centers around George Bailey, a frustrated and desperate businessman. In his despair, an angel comes to his rescue by showing him what life would be like if he was never born.

"What a wonderful time of year to ponder the importance of friends and family, and our impact on their lives, than in this social period of holidays that arrive in December," said It's A Wonderful Life director Marcie Warner. "We usually split our time between shopping expeditions, events and parties, but the theme of It's A Wonderful Life is truly realizing the gift of our own selves to others."

Bringing this holiday classic to life, the cast members of It's A Wonderful Life include: John Mallonee as George Bailey; Harry Menear as Clarence Odbody; Mark Cuddy as Uncle Billy Bailey; Jess Schladebeck as Mary Hatch-Bailey; Larry Sheaf as Mr. Potter; John Switaj as Mr. Gower; Mike Ritter as Harry Bailey; Karen Lloyd as Mother Bailey; JoEllen Myers as Aunt Tilly; Dr. Valerie Schrader as Violet Peterson; Ken Skelly as Bert; and Rob Kopko as Ernie.

Additional cast members include: Penny Dougherty as Potter's Assistant; Tara Mead as Potter's Secretary; Bridget Still as Mrs. Hatch; Travis Zimmerman as Sam Wainwright/Mr. Welch; Joe Owsley and Montse Benito as Mr. and Mrs. Martini; Sybil Stambaugh as Miss Andrews; Donna Marino as Mrs. Thompson; Renee Seibel as Miss Carter; Alexander Hatt as Pete Bailey/Young George; Grace Miller as Zuzu Bailey; Morgan Owsley as Tommie Bailey; and Grace Tadajweski as Janie Bailey/Newspaper Girl

In addition to Warner, production staff members for It's A Wonderful Life include: Michele Robertson and Lisa Greene, producers; Scott Harman, stage manager; Patt Roth, assistant stage manager; Carlton Hoke, set designer; JoAnn Wallace, costume designer; Vickie Feinstein and Aimee Potteiger, properties; Tim Banis, sound designer; and Brydon Lidle, lighting designer.

Experience the heartwarming tale of It's A Wonderful Life, running tonight, Dec. 3-6 and Dec. 10-13, 2015. Thursday through Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for teens/adults and $17 for kids ages 12 and under. Tickets are available by visiting www.HersheyAreaPlayhouse.com or by calling the Playhouse's box office at 717-533-8525.

Photo by Nathan Grumbine Photography