Miracle in Bedford Falls at SART
It’s a Wonderful Life is such a well-known and beloved property that tinkering with its presentation is a risky proposition.
Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre boldly takes on that challenge in its production of Miracle in Bedford Falls, a musical retelling of Frank Capra’s classic film, and generally succeeds to a remarkable degree.
As with similar re-workings of cultural touchstones within the musical genre, it’s amusing to see which moments and exchanges writer Mark Cabaniss and composer/lyricist Lowell Alexander decide to explore through song and dance instead of merely words. While the selected junctures typically make sense and feature tunes that enhance the narrative, a few instances come off a bit forced, though not enough to derail the superb ensemble-wide work.
Leading the charge under Pem Price Tomaselli’s thoughtful direction is Shane Dinan, who possesses the bright-eyed optimism necessary for a compelling George Bailey, yet handles his darker moments nearly as well. As George’s love interest, Mary Hatch, Chelsey Lee Mirheli instantly makes an alluring mark, holding her own in each scene while also exhibiting strong chemistry with Dinan, conveying the Baileys’ equal partnership dynamic.
A constant obstacle in their pursuit of happiness, and those of their Bedford Falls neighbors, Timothy Wilds is deliciously wicked as the soulless, conniving businessman Mr. Potter. Villains in musicals deserve a show-stopping number, and the thoroughly enjoyable “Pottersville” — complete with Potter’s henchmen slow-stepping alongside his wheelchair like a gang from West Side Story — doesn’t disappoint.
In tandem with these creative twists, the production likewise finds a smart way to incorporate the framing device of angels Joseph (the handsome, charismatic Connor Evans) and Clarence (a delightfully eager Dwight Chiles). Tomaselli has the heavenly creatures witness George’s life from Richard Seagle’s basic but apt set’s upper level, occasionally moving down its twin stairs and into the fray, freezing the action with a comic snap and resuming it moments later.
After officially entering George’s life and pondering whether or not he’s made a difference in the troubled man’s make-or-break contemplation, Clarence/Chiles delivers the emotional solo “Those Moments,” easily a high point on the heartfelt song front. The apex is unfortunately followed up by too many musical numbers in quick succession that dampens the goodwill the angel has created and unnecessarily draws out the ending. Nevertheless, the story’s closing tear-inducing beats remain plenty potent and the grand full-cast finale buoys the unified production’s well-earned heart rather than stand in its way.
Miracle in Bedford Falls runs through December 22 at SART in Owen Theatre on the campus of Mars Hill University. For details and tickets, visit sartplays.com.
(Photos by Cheyenne Dancy Photography)
