Theatre at the Center Presents Holiday Musical A WONDERFUL LIFE Starting 11/13

Theatre at the Center presents the popular, charming holiday musical A Wonderful Life, running November 13 through December 21 at Theatre at the Center 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.  Press opening will be November 21. Offering a new spin on the classic holiday film, A Wonderful Life is the musical stage version of the Frank Capra film classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Celebrating 60 years as America’s favorite holiday tradition, It’s a Wonderful Life tops the American Film Institute’s list of most inspiring films of all time.  A Wonderful Life is the remarkable collaboration of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Sheldon Harnick and Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Joe Raposo. 

Blending music, comedy and drama, A Wonderful Life is set in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York in the 1940s, and is the story of George Bailey, who has a heart of gold and is destined to live a small town life, despite his big dreams of seeing the world.  When financial ruin threatens to destroy the family business, George considers ending it all and wonders what life would be like if he had never been born.  But Clarence, an angel working to get his wings, intervenes, helping George to see how many lives he has touched and how dwindled his town would be if he had never been born.  Audiences will meet all of the memorable characters of the town- Uncle Billy, Mr. Potter, Mary, Violet, Bert, and others – as they help George rediscover that the greatest gifts in life begin at home.  A Wonderful Life is a timeless story of love and redemption, perfect for the whole family.

According to director and choreographer Stacey Flaster, “I have such fond childhood memories of watching the movie It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stuart and Donna Reed.  Now, directing the musical version A Wonderful Life at Theatre at the Center, I decided to watch the movie again after many years.  It’s still hard to watch George as he struggles through life, never leaving Bedford Falls, and yet not knowing, until the end, how truly loved and blessed he is.  But this time, I watched the movie through different eyes.  I saw people not being able to afford their mortgages, people losing their homes, people losing their life’s  savings—and suddenly this wasn’t a movie about what once was. Never before have the themes in It’s A Wonderful Life been more poignant than today.  I hope the audience can see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.   That family and friends and caring for one another have always provided the light. “

A Wonderful Life stars Rod Thomas as “George Bailey,” Natalie Ford as “Mary Hatch” and James Harms as “Clarence” the angel.  The supporting cast includes veteran actors Dale Benson, Ron Keaton, Skip Lundby and Robert Hildreth.

The artistic team for A Wonderful Life is led by director and choreographer Stacey Flaster and the Musical Direction will be by Bill Underwood. Scenic Designer and Technical Director is Ann Davis.  Lighting Design is by Shelley Strasser-Holland, Costume Design is by Brenda Winstead, Sound Design is by Barry Funderburg, Props Design is by Libby Fandrei, Production Manager is Chuck Gessert, and Stage Manager is Jill Yetsky.

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center has grown into a year-round professional, equity theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.  Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. ($36.00); Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); Sundays at 2:30 p.m. ($40.00) and select Thursdays at 7:30, Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 pm ($36.00).  To purchase season tickets or individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552.  Group discounts, available for groups of 20 or more; and gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions are also available by calling the Box Office at 219.836.3255.  For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.theatreatthecenter.org.

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