It's a Wonderful Life is an Americanized version of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol--only here, it is George Bailey's kindly Bob Cratchit-like character who meets the otherworldly visitor that re-educates him via a frightful "Christmas Yet To Come."  Seeing how Frank Capra echoes Dickens creates an engaging theatrical experience. So if Wonderful Life seems to be a delightful 1940s romp, a "trials and tribulations of George Bailey," dig a bit deeper to find Dickens' Carol beneath the Americana. While the miserly Mr. Potter is the obvious Scrooge stand-in here, it is George Bailey who takes on many Scrooge-isms as the story progresses.

          George was a dreamy youth, as was the young Scrooge, who was fascinated by the exotic worlds of Robinson Crusoe and Ali Baba. But for all George's longing for adventure, he--like Scrooge--winds up a money-lender. Both are tormented by desire and fear. For George, his deepest desire is to escape the humdrum life of Bedford Falls and see the big world out there. George's greatest fear is of being trapped in small town America forever. 

         The more George sacrifices his dreams, the more frustrated and resentful he becomes, finally cracking under the pressure of the missing $8000, which would mean prison. After a lifetime of sacrifice, George decides to sacrifice no more. He snaps, becoming a monster who abuses his family and friends, strangers and even leading him to suicide, the ultimate selfish act. He has given in completely to his dark side.

          George's journey is led by Clarence, the apprentice angel, who ironically, one-ups Mr. Potter's temptations by granting George's most selfish desire--to escape from Bedford Falls--by having never been born. George attempts suicide, but Clarence actually makes it happen, drawing his inspiration from Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer--where a dream-chasing adventurer with big plans decides to fake his death and thus, see Aunt Polly and everyone in town mourn him at his funeral. Capra didn't have Clarence quote from Tom Sawyer, but the themes are threaded throughout Wonderful Life. George is both Tom Sawyer and Ebenezer Scrooge--the American Everyman at a crisis point.

          George gets his death-wish, as his non-existence transforms the quiet little Bedford Falls into a nightmarish "Pottersville"--awash in insanity, passion, violence, greed, treachery, sickness and old age. Pottersville is a fallen world of broken marriages, broken dreams, strip joints, bars, prizefights, tough cops and rampant vice. George gets to experience what his hometown would be without him. He sees that the life he led--the one of dreams denied and tribulations, the one he was never fully happy with--made a big difference to those around him.

          George learns that suffering is a necessary step on the road to happiness. It is there to purge him of ego and selfishness. Sacrifice isn't something to avoid or resent--it must be embraced!

         This aura of necessary sacrifice permeated American culture during World War II--and may find new resonance with modern audiences since we are again plagued by war and economic hardship.  The most beloved movie of all-time comes alive onstage this holiday season. Treat yourselves and your loved ones to the magic of live theater with this classic story of love, hope, and family! A family-friendly production that will delight all.