About the Play:

It's a Wonderful Life is a full-length holiday drama adapted for the stage by James W. Rodgers; based on the film by Frank Capra. The story of George Bailey, the man who sacrificed his own personal dreams for the good of his community, is just as relevant today as it was in the 1940s. This timeless classic has become almost as familiar as Dickens' A Christmas Carol, a beloved holiday tradition that translates powerfully to the stage.

It's a Wonderful Life is the heart-warming saga of George Bailey, the every-man from the small town of Bedford Falls. Very much like his father, George never seems to get a break. Kind and giving, he constantly sacrifices his own dreams of escape and adventure for the sake of family obligation and civic duty. It is Christmas eve, and George has hit rock bottom and essentially has given up. His guardian angel Clarence (has also been played by a female angel named Clara) descends to save him from despair, highlights his life and shows how he touched the lives of so many people, and proves to him that – despite the setbacks and disappointment – his has been after all, a wonderful life…. This sparkling and magical play has all your favourite characters: George and Mary, Mother Bailey, Uncle Billy, Violet, and of course, the Scrooge-like villain Mr. Potter. It's a Wonderful Life not only celebrates the season, it also celebrates the American philosophy of life: that hard work, fair play, and the love and support of family and community will be rewarded.

It's a Wonderful Life premiered in 1993 at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Kentucky. This fine dramatization has become a popular holiday choice for school and community theatre productions.

Cast: 10 female, 12 male (2 boys, 2 girls, doubling possible.)

About the Playwright:

Dr. James W. Rodgers, Ph.D., is an American teacher, director, author and playwright. He taught for more than 35 years and directed more than 100 productions for professional, community, university and high-school theaters, several with professional actors. He is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Kentucky Department of Theatre. He has also written a number of plays including several commissioned works for both the stage and television, including the holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life. With his wife, Wanda, he is co-author of Play Director's Survival Kit.