The whole crew of Bedford Falls is gathered together once again for a live replay of the 1946 film, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Except that, in 2020, the entire show is performed by a single actor, Nate Burger, a staple of the American Players Theater cast in Spring Green, Wis. This is APT’s first venture into virtual theater-making, and they make quite a splash with this terrific show.
Nate Burger, who seems to have fallen in love with the Frank Capra film over the years, does some dead-on impressions as he works his way through the classic story. As a quick recap, the main character is George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), who grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls. George never got a chance to fulfill his life’s ambitions, which included traveling to exotic places, a college education, and the chance to build skyscrapers. Instead, his father’s death forces him to take over the family business, a savings and loan.
One Christmas Eve, George is desperate and suicidal over the loss of $8,000 in bank deposits, not to mention the evil doings of a rich old banker, Mr. Potter. A guardian angel named Clarence is sent to convince George that his life is worthwhile, even though things didn’t turn out exactly the way George had envisioned. Still, he agrees to give George what he wants: a life that never existed. Afterwards, Clarence and George roam through the town, which George barely recognizes. George is crazed at the notion that no one in town now recognizes him, not even his wife, Mary. Without George around, she became a spinster and runs the library. Eventually, George realizes that the lives of people in Bedford Falls are better with him around to help them. He pleads with Clarence to have his old life back.
The movie has a timeless message, not to mention a great cast that includes Donna Reed (as Mary) and Lionel Barrymore (as Mr. Potter). It may be especially timely this year, when people have had to endure so many extra hardships during the pandemic.
This Wonderful Life, directed by William Brown, is a special treat for anyone mesmerized by this story of hope, redemption, and the notion that things can suddenly change for the better. As written by Steve Murray, sole actor Nate Burger works his magic on a bare “stage.” He has only a couple of flashlights to represent the angels (“these are the special effects,” he informs viewers). Nate inserts a bit of wry commentary into the script, but he is quite serious about representing the characters just as they appear onscreen.
An adept storyteller, Burger is constantly in motion. Sometimes, just his head is peeking up from the bottom of the screen (if he’s reciting a line by one of George Bailey’s kids), or he dives off the screen (when George and Clarence are “bounced” from a local bar). As stated earlier in this review, Burger’s excellent impressions bring all the characters vividly to life. For those missing theater performances by American Players Theater, this is definitely worthwhile viewing.
