Welcome to Bedford Falls. Population: One.
Christopher Willard, producing artistic director of Lakefront Arts, has his holiday work cut out for him, playing all the characters in “Wonderful Life,” a new stage adaptation of the beloved Frank Capra movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“The show is told from the perspective of Clarence,” says Willard, “which is handy since, physically, I’m definitely more Clarence than George Bailey.”
For the three or four people who’ve never seen the classic 1947 film, Clarence Odbody is the second-class angel sent to Earth to rescue everyman George Bailey from a life crisis, by showing him what the world would be like had he never been born. Spoiler alert: It’s not so pretty.
“Clarence reveals George’s past and present,” Willard says. “We learn what makes him tick, and with this new version, we go deeper into the lives of the townspeople who have always been the greatest gift of George’s life.”
The script, by Helen R. Murray and Jason Lott, has won accolades across the country, and was nominated for the prestigious Charles A. MacArthur award in Washington D.C. It is, Willard says, true to the spirit of the characters, and their dreams and desires, as featured in the original screenplay.
“Everyone in Bedford Falls gets to tell their side of the story,” Willard says. “We find out more about Mary Hatch, Ma Bailey, Bert and Ernie, even evil banker Mr. Potter. It’s an exciting way to experience the story anew.”
A longtime film buff, Willard is an avowed “It’s a Wonderful Life” aficionado, and this new take allows him to go deeper into a story already close to his heart.
“I still get choked up by the ending,” Willard says. “When George’s life gets validated by a single act of communal kindness — it gives you such hope. Who wouldn’t be moved?”
Though the subject matter leans on the serious side, it’s not all drama in the offing. Humor is an important part of the storytelling.
“The film has some classic laugh lines, and those are included in this version,” Willard explains. “There are moments of physical humor, too, as bumbling Clarence tries to tell the story the best way he can. It’s all very funny, very human, and done with tremendous heart.”
At a brisk 75 minutes, it also doesn’t make many demands on an audience’s attention span. Willard has his marching orders for the show well in mind: “Get in, get out, make ’em laugh, thrill them, leave them feeling all warm and fuzzy.”
“Wonderful Life” is a co-production of Lakefront Arts and Main Stage. The show plays at Main Stage Creative Community Center, 67 N. Main St. in Eureka Springs. The complete show schedule is Nov. 24 and 25, Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 25, and Dec. 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for children ages 6-18. All seating is general admission. The show is presented without intermission.
To make a reservation, order online at ReserveEureka.com/ attractions/wonderfullife or purchase tickets at the door. Box office opens one hour before scheduled showtime.
The show is made possible by a generous grant from the Eureka Springs Arts Council.
For more information, call Lakefront Arts at 417-896-0978.
