Holiday classic to be performed at local theater

The Alexandria Area Arts Association (AAAA) will present a family holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, at the AAAA Theatre in downtown Alexandria.

The story is about George Bailey, an everyman whose dreams of escape and adventure have been set aside by obligation. Prayers for his well-being from friends and family reach Heaven, where Clarence Odbody, an Angel Second Class, is assigned to save him and earn his wings.

On Christmas Eve, when George is at his lowest, Clarence shows him what the world would have been like if he hadn’t been born.

It’s a Wonderful Life was adapted for the stage by James Rodgers from the American Christmas drama of the same name. It’s a Wonderful Life was based on the Philip Van Doren Stern short story The Greatest Gift and was released in 1946.

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including best picture, and appears as number 11 on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 best films.

It’s a Wonderful Life has performances at 7:30 p.m. on November 30, December 1, 7 and 8 with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on December 2 and 9. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for students and seniors (60 or older), and $10 for children 10 or younger.

Advance tickets are recommended. They may be purchased at the AAAA Box Office, 618 Broadway Street, or via telephone at (320) 762-8300.

Cast members:

George Bailey – Dave Thompson

Clarence Odbody – Kevin Lee

Mr. Gower – Al Senstad

Young George/Pete Bailey – Levi Lotti

Harry Bailey/townsperson – Jon Provance

Mother Bailey – Sandy Susag

Aunt Tilly – Karen Fieldhammer

Violet Peterson – Laura Kremer

Bert – Bruce Wegner

Ernie – Zach Blashack

Uncle Billy – Chuck Grussing

Mary Hatch – Becky Byrne

Henry Potter – Gene Meier

Potter’s goon – Gary Lund

Mr. Potter’s secretary – Ahndree Conn

Mrs. Hatch – Rachel Bardson

Sam Wainwright/townsperson – Sam Paradee

Miss Andrews – Leila Preston

Mrs. Thompson – Jodea Johnson

Mrs. Martini – Cassie Myrin

Mr. Martini – John Thalmann

Miss Carter – Pat Finnestad

Newspaper boy/Martini son- Cole Childers

Tommy Bailey – Ian Heseltine

Zuzu Bailey – Anja Williams

Mr. Welch – Rex Sweetwater

Janie Bailey – Mari Senstad

Sally Bailey – Joria Downing

Chorus:

Claire Wilmesmeier (Martini daughter)

Bailey Myrin

Brittany Wallerich (Martini daughter)

Katelyn Niemeyer

Camille Johnson (Martini daughter)

Marilla Paradee

Britt Hurlen

Kylee Johnson

Alicia Siira

Technical staff:

Director – Sharon Thalmann

Asst. director/stage manager – Christy Meier

Set design/construction – John Thalmann

Lighting design – Quincy Roers

Sound – Brandon Johnson

Props – Hillary Ninman

Costumes – Carrie Larson, Deb Long

Costuming assistant – Leah Drexler

Hair and make-up – Deb Long

Musical director – Rachel Capistrant

Poster design – Keri Mohr

Tags: variety, holiday, theater, entertainment