Reviews: It’s a Wonderful Life at South County High School
Written by Shia Ringold of Quince Orchard High School
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings."
Season's greetings from South County High School as they wish us all the happiest of holidays with their touching production of "It's A Wonderful Life."
A stage adaptation of the classic 1946 film, It's A Wonderful Life, follows George Bailey, whose luck has become so bad that he now stands on a bridge on Christmas Eve, convinced the world would be a better place without him in it. Enter Clarance, George's guardian angel, desperate to earn his wings. Together, the two look back at George's life to see how many he has touched and what his community would look like if he had never been a part of it.
Vincent Snow charmed as George Bailey, crafting a performance both humorous and heartfelt. He proved his versatility by expertly navigating stark character shifts between vignettes, ranging from wide-eyed and ambitious to angry and hopeless. In the second act, Snow's desperation at seeing a world where he was never born was truly touching. He cared not about himself, but about all the consequences his absence had on his friends and family. Snow consistently displayed a sincere character with a strong moral compass, making for an endearing performance.
Amelia Johnson was a delight playing Mary Hatch Bailey. Her magnetism and persistence prevailed as she pined after George, ultimately surprising him with a kiss due to his naive nature. As a mother, her tenderness was palpable as she comforted her children and cared for George. The not-so-tender villain of the story was Henry F. Potter (William Lavander), scheming to monopolize the town of Bedford Falls and shut down the Bailey family's bank. Lavender's nonchalant delivery of lines and better-than attitude treated audiences to a character they would love to hate. And at the heart of the show was the large ensemble of towns folk. Each member of the community developed a distinct character but remained together as a unit, adding both depth and soul to the production.
South County's show also featured several impressive technical elements. The lights, courtesy of William Waugh, Kareena Kasperowski, and Natalie Mitchell, featured over 25 Edison Bulbs hanging above the stage and creating a warm, reminiscent environment. Lights also changed colors to reflect each vignette setting like green in the bank and blue out in the snow. Additionally, the costumes for the show (Dexter Burris and Zoe Cabot) allowed audiences to fully immerse in George's memories as clothing styles reflected the different decades throughout his life. They also featured the perfect amount of holiday festivity with pops of color and different textures.
South County High School offered a wonderfully heartwarming production, reminding all that true wealth comes not from banks, but from human connection.
Written by Makena Nelson of Centreville High School
The best stories are never forgotten. Join South County High School for this timeless tale of hope, love, Christmas spirit and an annual reminder that "It's a Wonderful Life!"
Dazzling audiences since Frank Capra's original feature-film took to the screen in 1946, "It's a Wonderful Life" continues to be just as compelling today. The story follows George Bailey, an every-man who considers ending his life after years of setting aside his own dreams for the sake of others. Enter a seemingly unlikely guardian angel who takes George on a beautiful journey, illuminating all the good his life and actions have caused in the world. The stage adaptation brilliantly pays homage to the acclaimed film whilst delightfully highlighting the magic and charm of live theater.
Tackling the iconic leading man with great poise and impressive emotional depth was Vincent Snow as George Bailey. Snow's rigid physicality and unquestionable vulnerability effectively modeled George's development from a restless, sensitive young man to a more assertive, though ultimately unraveling, husband and father. Through anxious stammering and shaky breathing, Snow grounded George as an authentic and relatable character. George's most gut-wrenching moments left the theater completely silent as the audience hung on to his every word.
Rolling into each scene with an undeniable authoritative presence was William Lavender as Henry F. Potter. Lavender successfully portrayed the antagonistic, well-to-do businessman through knowing smirks and condescending eyebrow raises. Lavender's dedication made for stirring encounters as he coldly dismissed George's quite reasonable pleas. Amelia Johnson delivered another outstanding performance as George's wife, the lovely Mary Hatch. Johnson charmed the audience through effortless, perfectly-timed banter and an air of grace reminiscent of iconic "Old Hollywood" actresses. Johnson and Snow's chemistry proved to be a noteworthy feature of the production as their playful dynamic appeared natural and convincing.
Capturing the audience from the very first scene, lighting by William Waugh, Kareena Kasperowski and Natalie Mitchell was flawlessly executed. Dangling individual bulbs illustrated both the spiritual, starry night sky and the overall industrial setting of Bedford Falls. Similarly, radiant window panes served as a constant nod to New York while simultaneously changing to subtly complement each scene. Costume team Dexter Burris and Zoey Cabot immersed the audience in the 1940s through a whirlwind of nostalgia. The ensemble's simple yet vibrant dresses and hefty, classic winter coats successfully brought to life the bustling and cohesive community of a small town.
Each year as the snow falls, the carolers sing, and gifts are exchanged we are reminded of December's eternal spirit. Each year we listen to the same catchy songs and witness the same beloved movies as cherished traditions. South County's "It's a Wonderful Life" preserved the ageless heart of the holidays and delighted audience members of all ages.