An iconic holiday movie is getting a melodic adaptation at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
“A Wonderful Life: The Musical” brings Bedford Falls to an intimate stage for a Nov. 16-Dec. 23 run that “applauds the true meaning of Christmas,” according to promotional material from the venue.
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Based on “It’s a Wonderful Life” — the beloved 1946 film that stars James Stewart — the musical features book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, with music by Joe Raposo.
Harnick earned a Pulitzer Prize for “Fiorello!” and also is a Tony Award winner who wrote lyrics for the hit show “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Clarence, a guardian angel, helps spread the yuletide spirit in the sentimental, heartwarming storyline of “A Wonderful Life: The Musical.”
The tale promotes the concept of innate goodness in ordinary people who experience disillusionment, but rebound when sparked by the affirmation of life and love.
In the Munster musical, Clarence tries to demonstrate to a despondent George Bailey — played by David Sajewich — how different the lives of those he has touched would have been if he had never been born.
Transferring a movie like “It’s a Wonderful Life” to the stage comes with its challenges.
“You have some problems involved because there’s so many scenes; I have 32 scenes in the show,” director William Pullinsi said. “It’s actually no different than any other big musical. There’s just a great deal to do in the short rehearsal time that we have.”
One of the tasks is to learn new music that does not have widespread recognition.
“The music is not the kind of stuff that you know already,” said Pullinsi, pointing to the decades-old popularity of a score such as “Oklahoma!”
“We have a large cast,” said Pullinsi, terming it a “very committed” troupe that hails from all over the Chicago area.
The director said the musical’s storyline does not greatly deviate from the film.
“It pretty closely follows the film,” said Pullinsi, former artistic director for Theatre at the Center.
“There are changes, but if you see this, you will feel like you’ve seen a musical version of the film,” Pullinsi said. “It’s a musical drama fantasy and perfect for the holidays.”
The cinematic staple from seven decades ago rates highly with Allison Sill, who portrays Mary, George Bailey’s wife.
“It’s one of my favorite Christmas movies,” Sill said of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” which also starred Donna Reed, and was directed by Frank Capra.
“She’s this grounded character in George’s life that I feel always finds the silver lining in something that he’s going through,” the Chicago actress said.
Sill thinks there is an acting challenge in being compared against the film that has long been a Christmastime viewing tradition in the United States.
“It’s such an iconic movie,” she said.
Released 71 years ago, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a heartwarming slice of pop culture that Sill wants to see remain relatable to today’s audiences in its Munster incarnation.
Sill gets the singing spotlight with the songs “Not What I Expected” and “I Couldn’t Be With Anyone But You.”
The musical is a family-friendly presentation.
“We are so excited to welcome the holiday season with ‘A Wonderful Life,'” Linda Fortunato, Theatre at the Center’s artistic director, said in a news release. “All the charm, heart and humanity of the classic film are brought to the stage in this musical adaptation of the beloved life-affirming story.”
Discounts are available for groups of 11 or more.
The cast includes James Harms as Mr. Potter, Jim Heatherly as Uncle Billy, David Perkovich as Clarence, and Jason Richards in multiple roles, including Mr. Martini.
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Harms’ acting has earned him several Joseph Jefferson Awards, which recognize excellence in Chicago-area theater.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; 2 p.m. Thursdays, with select Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and Thursday and Sunday evening performances (no shows on Thanksgiving).
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter with the Post-Tribune.
‘A Wonderful Life: The Musical’
Where: Theatre at the Center in The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: Nov. 16-Dec. 23
Tickets: $20-$44