WESTFIELD – The Westfield Woman’s Club stage will be transformed into Bedford Falls when “It’s A Wonderful Life” is offered next month by the Westfield Theatre Group.
The theatre group, a department of the Westfield Woman’s Club, has been presenting productions for more than 80 years.
Prior to a recent rehearsal, director Kathleen Palmer of Westfield encouraged area residents and especially families to consider attending one of the five performances planned.
“Shows are family-friendly,” she said. “We want you to go home with a smile on your face.”
Palmer has adapted “It’s A Wonderful Life” for the local stage with music and arrangements by Marion Dunk, also of Westfield. The 1946 American Christmas fantasy drama film starred James Stewart as George Bailey who had given up his dreams to help others and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence shows Bailey all of the lives he has touched and how different life in his community would be had he never been born.
“A great cast has been assembled and with a wonderful pit band and tech crew, the holiday scene will get off to a great start,” said Palmer.
“I guarantee you will love every minute of it,” said Dunk.
Performances are planned Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., as well as a matinee performance on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. A 15-minute intermission is slated with home-baked goods available for sale.
“We also have new padded comfy seats,” said Palmer, noting donations had been made in memory of Mary S. Santucci and the theatre group board voted to purchase the chairs which benefit both the theatre group and events hosted by the woman’s club.
Robert H. Clark III of Southwick has the starring role of George Bailey, who he says he finds “very relatable” in his own life.
“George Bailey has big dreams and I’ve also had big dreams,” said Clark. “It’s a heartwarming story that leaves you with a feeling of being blessed and grateful for what you have in life.”
For city couple Elaine Hebert, who stars as “Ma Bailey,” and Mark Hebert as the narrator angel “Joseph,” the show allows them to grow with their characters.
“Ma Bailey is joyful, as well as dark,” said Elaine Hebert.
“The show will lift your spirits this holiday season,” said Mark Hebert. “
Shelley Haber, of Westfield, was also on hand during the rehearsal, making lists and checking them twice as the show’s producer.
“The show is one of the best Christmas stories out there,” said Haber. “We have a great cast, as well as great music.”
Other starring roles include Mark Parsons of Leeds as “Uncle Billy,” and Jeremy Thayer of Hadley who will play three roles including one as the “bank examiner.”
“Playing Uncle Billy allows me to use my comedic skills and also have a wide range of emotions,” said Parsons.
“I like the challenge of playing multiple characters,” said Thayer.
Performances are conducted at the Westfield Woman’s Club on 28 Court Street. On-street parking is available, as well as using the Episcopal Church of the Atonement parking lot.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors (60+). “Star” seats are also available for $20 (front row balcony and limited to 18 per show).
For reservations and more information, call (413) 572-6838 or visit www.westfieldtheatregroup.com.
“You will walk out of here happy and will be able to see the impact you, too, have made in the world and feel gratitude for it,” said Clark.
