In current economic conditions, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is the type of story that many people can relate to. The tale of down and out George Bailey and the guardian angel assigned to convince him not to commit suicide, the film version starring James Stewart and Donna Reed has become mandatory Christmas viewing in many households.
Focusing on the joy and hope that the holiday season brings, South Valley Civic Theater (SVCT) rounds out their 40th Anniversary year with a production of this classic yuletide drama.
For over four decades, SVCT has been providing South County with charming community theater. The all-volunteer, non-profit drama organization is entirely supported by donations, ticket and concession sales, grants and memberships.
Holiday sprit was in full force at the Dec. 5 performance at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse. Heavy on the sweetness and family oriented fun, the play was done in an endearing community theater fashion. Clad in sweaters and coats on the crisp evening, audience members included families with children and cotton-candy-haired older ladies, all out to enjoy a night of theater Morgan Hill-style.
It’s interesting to note that this is the first community theater appearance for both lead actors in the production. Gilroy native Scott Lynch, who plays main character George Bailey, hasn’t been involved in acting or theater since appearing as Charlie in the Gilroy High School production of “Flowers for Algernon.” Morgan Hill home schooling mother Susan Foster, who plays George’s wife Mary Hatch Bailey, had never acted before auditioning for “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Other new faces to SVCT were Morgan Hill Times reporter Natalie Everett as Mrs. Thompson, fourth grader Shannon Murphy as Janie Bailey, 11-year-old Dane Weber as Pete Bailey, Hampton Hoge as Mr. Grower and Chris McCann as Young George.
“It’s a Wonderful Life’s” simple set incorporated a three-panned background onto which a road and town buildings were painted. Window frames, rectangular doorways and chairs were brought in as props to indicate interiors. From fedoras to buckled shoes, costume director Terri Miles dressed all the plays characters in 1940s attire, adhering to the setting of the original 1946 movie.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, a South Valley Civic Theater Production, plays Dec. 12, 13, 19, and 20 at 8pm, and Dec. 13 at 2pm, at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse at 17090 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill. Tickets are $14-18. Visit www.svct.org for more information.
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