Transport Group presents Frank Capra's classic holiday story It’s a Wonderful Life for a one-night-only performance at 8 PM December 12 at The Sheen Center for Thought and Culture. Mary Owen introduces the show, courtesy of The Donna Reed Foundation, which is directed by Artistic Director Jack Cummings III.
Leading the cast as George Bailey is Obie and Drama Desk winner Donna Lynne Champlin (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), joined by three-time Tony nominee Marc Kudisch (Girl From the North Country) as Nick the Bartender, Tony winner Maryann Plunkett (Me and My Girl) as Clarence, three-time Tony nominee Mary Testa (Oklahoma!) as Henry F. Potter, Tony nominee Barbara Walsh (Falsettos) as Ma Bailey, Drama Desk winner Nick Westrate (The Boys in the Band) as Violet Bick, Michael Mastro (Cat On A Hot Tin Roof) as Uncle Billy, Barbara Andres (On Golden Pond) as Mr. Gower, and Sherry D. Boone (Jelly’s Last Jam) as Mary Hatch.
Based on the 1946 film starring James Stewart, It’s a Wonderful Life follows the story of George Bailey, a businessman struggling to find his way. With his father’s company in trouble, and the mounting responsibilities he feels to his family and his community, George questions what makes life worth it. A guardian angel named Clarence appears, and shows him how the lives of his loved ones and neighbors would have played out if George was never born, showing George the impact he has had—and renewing his determination to find his way just in time for Christmas.
Rounding out the evening’s cast are Broadway alums George Abud (The Band’s Visit), Lauren Blackman(The Music Man), Michael Hartung (Hello Dolly!), Colin Hanlon (Rent), Christopher Innvar (To Kill A Mockingbird), Tina Johnson (The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas), Kelly McAndrew (Cat On A Hot Tin Roof), Jennifer Piech (Titanic), Blair Ross (Side Show), Tally Sessions (Company), Cheryl Stern (La Cage Aux Folles), and Tatiana Wechsler (Mr. Saturday Night), as well as Tina Chilip (A Delicate Balance), Tim Dolan (Once Upon A Mattress), David Huynh (Henry VI), Emmy winner Francesca James (All My Children), Kyra Kennedy (national tour Waitress), Erica Knight (The Summoning), Danny Kornfeld (Harmony), Emma Orelove (Our Town), Nancy Shayne (Marcy in the Galaxy), and John Wellmann (The Boys in the Band).
Adapted by Joe Landry, It's a Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern from the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling. The Transport Group production features live, incidental music composed specially by Ted Shen (Broadbend, Arkansas) and Carmel Dean (Renascence).
It’s a Wonderful Life is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
For tickets and more information, visit TransportGroup.org.
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