By Claire DeMarco
It’s Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls, and George Bailey (Mike Goffus) feels his life is useless. He faces financial disaster and is close to committing suicide.
Enter Angel Second Class Clarence Odbody (Stuart McNiell), who tries to help Bailey over this crisis. As part of that remedy, Odbody encourages Bailey to look back on his life and reflect on how the decisions and choices he made were valuable not only to him but also to those who knew him.
Bailey’s thoughts of his past begin.
Bailey had high expectations for the path his life would take. He wanted to attend college and travel. These plans were short-circuited when his father, the owner of a building and loan company, died suddenly.
Bailey stayed in Bedford Falls, married his sweetheart Mary Hatch (Leah Grimm), had a family, and took over his father’s business.
Uncle Billy (John Henry Steelman) was part of that business.
Nemesis Henry F. Potter (Kevin B. McGuire) owns everything in the town except Bailey’s company. Potter was devious, constantly trying to gain control of the one thing in the city he didn’t own – Bailey’s building and loan business.
An unfortunate loss of company funds puts Bailey on the defensive, both personally and legally, and brings us back to his meeting with Odbody. It’s time to decide – face the consequences or end his life.
Bailey chooses what his action will be.
Goffus is superb as Bailey. What a powerful emotional range! He transitions from a buoyant, excited husband, family man, and well-liked member of the community to an almost deranged human, angry at the entire world.
Angel 2nd class Odbody, McNiell, attempts to have a positive influence on Bailey. Since he’s aiming for a promotion, he is proactive in his approach to Bailey. At the same time, his vulnerability comes through as he occasionally seeks support and guidance from an unseen angel.
Grimm is great as the ever-supporting, loving wife. She is the steadfast equalizer in George’s life, without the fanfare.
Steelman’s portrayal of Uncle Billy is spot on. He is Bailey’s loyal supporter, but it’s apparent he has no business sense and, at times, is a bit befuddled and distracted.
McGuire wonderfully plays our bad guy in this production. He is verbally vindictive, conniving, and smug.
Excellent direction by Barbara Burgess-Lefebvre.
Two notes:
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- I mentioned this in a previous review, but, amazingly, such detailed, well-executed multiple-set scenes are accomplished in a small space.
- Depending on the performance date, many of the actors’ roles are performed by other members of the cast.
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A nicely done production of a yearly Christmas favorite!
-CED
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a production of The Pittsburgh Savoyards. Performances run from December 5th to December 20th at the Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center, 523 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202. For tickets and additional information, click here.
