"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) is as much a holiday tradition as Christmas trees and wish lists. Along with the claymation "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964) and endless "Christmas Story" (1983) marathons, the classic Frank Capra film is a classic holiday movie.
George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart), a compassionate and generous man stuck in a small town, almost throws away his life before his guardian angel shows him what life would be like if he had never been born.
And this holiday season, the Lyric Stage Company of Boston brings the much-loved Christmas tale to the stage in the one-man, one-act play "This Wonderful Life."
Actor Neil Casey is the only person onstage for the entire performance, but his fantastic presence and energetic pace keep the show engaging throughout. He is constantly in motion, even on a relatively small stage, utilizing the space to create a constant shift in characters and scenes. Casey's impressive ability to transition easily between the role of narrator and all of the 32 characters he portrays truly makes the production a must-see.
Casey single-handedly brings Bedford Falls to life without even one costume change, giving fantastic impressions of each character in Capra's masterpiece. He is humorous but convincing as the shamelessly flirtatious and blonde Violet Bick. He is appropriately wide-eyed and innocent as Bailey's children, and the effect is both silly and adorable. He jumps into the chair and stiffens in his impersonation of cranky and miserly Mr. Potter, originally brought to life by the great Lionel Barrymore.
And as Bailey himself, Casey captures Stewart's voice so well that his "I'll give you the moon, Mary" sounds almost exactly like the original. Of course there isn't enough time to fit in every scene, but Casey hits all the best-known lines from each character, more than pleasing those who have seen the film every Christmas since childhood.
Yet "This Wonderful Life" is not a strict film-to-stage translation. It retells and pays homage to the classic movie as Casey, as the narrator, tosses in his own clever quips along the way. Casey is not afraid to lighten the mood with clever asides and even some gentle sarcasm. The relaxed and lighthearted mood of the production is set from the beginning, when Casey strolls on stage and plays out a comical, high-speed version of the film. "Was that too fast?" he jokes.
The effect of his stream of funny remarks is much like that of someone whispering into your ear during a movie. He pokes fun at the homogeneity of Bedford Falls, the slightly over-the-top dancing contest over the swimming pool, and the old Hollywood kiss where "their cheeks mush together but their lips never seem to touch." He also throws in a few pop culture and historical references, most of which are intended for the older audience that the play (not surprisingly) attracts.
Between his witty narrative and direct acting, Casey manages to keep the story light and entertaining without losing the poignant meaning at the heart of the movie. The combination makes for an intimate atmosphere. It also helps that the theater is fairly small, though still comfortable and well-kept. "This Wonderful Life" takes place in one act of one hour and 15 minutes with no intermission.
But the play does not feel long, more like a cozy Christmas story being told by a parent. Casey makes the audience feel comfortable and intimate in his storytelling, at one point gesturing for the audience to call out the name of the guardian angel - which any fan of the movie would immediately know to be "Clarence."
"This Wonderful Life," like the film it pays tribute to, leaves the audience feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It's the perfect holiday production, reminding viewers that one person can make a difference in the lives of others. After all, isn't that what the holidays are really about? Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say, as Casey does near the end of the show, that's what "all the other days of the year" are about.
To really get into the holiday spirit, catch "This Wonderful Life" at the Lyric Stage Company of Boston before it ends on Dec. 22.
