Due to a clerical error that allowed ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ to be broadcast on television stations almost non-stop during the holiday season without paying a rights fee, one used to be able to pop on the tube just about any time from Thanksgiving through New Year’s and catch the classic Christmas movie in either its native black & white or colorized versions. Since that oversight was rectified in 1993, access has been limited.
But you need wait no longer as San Marino High School’s Advanced Drama Dept. presents a stage version tonight and tomorrow in the Webb Theatre at 7 p.m.
“The students had an opportunity to choose the production between ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ or ‘Grinch’ and it was practically unanimous for ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’” said San Marino High School Drama Director Blake Williams. “I was shocked that they actually knew the movie!”
They did and they do.
The production adds a twist: Assistant Principal Dr. Eric Bergmann will play the role of Mr. Gower, the Bedford Falls druggist whose life is forever affected by the preemptive actions of a young George Bailey, the story’s protagonist.
“We have had to double up on a few roles, but even then we were still one male actor short for the part of Mr. Gower so when Dr. Bergmann asked if he could get a part, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Williams.
She is also excited about the prospect of staging something in the holiday genre.
“‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ features the students of Advanced Drama,” Williams explained. Normally their production is in late September, but there have been so many calendar changes this year we are doing the production as their final exam. This has allowed me to direct a holiday show for the first time since coming to San Marino almost 10 years ago.”
Bergmann is no stranger to the stage and is looking forward to his role.
“I had mentioned to Blake that I had appeared in a few school plays at the art school I led in Portland and really enjoyed the experience,” said Bergmann. “I played small roles in the ‘Princess and the Pea,’ ‘Hamlet’ and got to play a sword-wielding barbarian in an original Tolkien-esque kind of play. Blake was short an actor for this production so she came knocking. While I’ve never played Gower before, I love the movie, so I jumped at the chance. In addition to having loads of fun during my favorite time of year, it’ll give me some insight and appreciation into the hard work and talent that resides in our theater department. I just hope that I don’t let everyone down. Those kids are really, really good actors!”
As a special enticement, the Drama Dept. is offering a special gourmet dessert bar replete with coffee, cocoa, cider and tea along with a silent auction at the intermission to help raise money for ‘Pippin,’ which Williams will produce as the school’s musical.
“It is a great way to kick off December and get into the holiday cheer,” said Williams.
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ will play on the Webb Theatre stage on Fri., Dec. 2 and Sat., Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and are available at the door.
