Finest Parts of a Nostalgic Tale (Derby Dinner Playhouse)

A Wonderful Life

Based on “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern

Adapted from the Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Directed and produced by Lee Buckholz

A review by Beth Beck

Entire contents are copyright © 2024 Beth Beck. All rights reserved.

Amidst a sea of equally eager theater-patrons, we waited in line for our buffet-style meals that complimented the family-friendly atmosphere Derby Dinner Playhouse is known and loved for. The time spent anticipating the events yet to unfold was easily diluted by the comradery amongst acquaintances found in the crowd. Each server, smiles at the ready, addressed the needs of our table and others’ with swift, timely, and accurate care. If you have never been to a “dinner and show” establishment like this before, know this: those smiles inevitably turn to the stage as the lights dim and an exhilarating hush falls over the crowd.

Once coffee, tea, and similar accouterments are catered to, the servers who so kindly look after your needs soon begin to shift their attention to their next performance piece. Their suave transformation amongst the crowd introduced us to characters well-known and loved throughout the ages from the timeless classic, “A Wonderful Life.” This particular adaptation paid homage to the finest parts of this nostalgic tale. Once the veil of a dimly lit venue was established, members of the cast left their catering roles by each table’s side to descend upon the stage. There they harmoniously introduced their true passion and talents through synchronized song and dance. 

In the initial pre-show, actors and self-proclaimed spouses Jillian Prefach Baker and Dickie Baker shared a romantic moment on stage before Jillian sang a holiday-themed love ballad to the audience. After confirming that each individual guest was catered to properly and were ready to enjoy the anticipated production, the cast began to share the story of George Bailey. 

This musical rendition, based on Frank Capra’s film, focuses on George’s trials and tribulations through the eyes of his guardian angel Clarence. Clarence, played by Cary Wiger, is on a journey to earn his wings by helping George. In order to do so he must first be shown various aspects of George’s life that led him to an untimely moment in which he contemplates ending his life. The morbidity of this initial scene is overshadowed by the zealous performances of the cast and crew as they portray key moments of George’s life to the audience. 

We get to see George through the eyes of Clarence. With this in mind, Wiger gifts the audience an empathetic viewpoint from the get-go. His childlike enthusiasm and sympathetic nature set the mental framework for how we should view George’s life as it is shown to Clarence. This simplistic touch allows us to empathize with Clarence and root for a positive outcome for George. Wiger’s performance guides you to view each scene through an innocent perspective, with bright eyes and kind-hearted judgement. 

We soon fall in love alongside George with his future wife Mary, played by Kaitlyn Sage. This soprano digs deep into your heart with each high note she lovingly and artistically uses to show George how he is her one true love.  The ensemble sold the entire event for me personally. Their precision with timing and pacing throughout each musical number was just as impressive as other Broadway productions I’ve seen. 

While each individual had an astounding performance, I would like to give a shout-out to a few particular performers. Monroe Cox/Adelynn Poindexter portrayed the character Zuzu Bailey beautifully. You could hear the audience chuckle or gasp accordingly when Zuzu was on the stage. 

Several members of the cast performed as multiple characters throughout the night. Their costume changes were done with exquisite precision and should be commended for their multifaceted talents. J.R. Stuart played Uncle Billy wonderfully and had an excellent stage presence. Clay Smith played Henry Potter, the main antagonist. His tone, inflection, and intentional sinisterness throughout the evening captivated everyone’s attention. The versatility of each performer is intriguing enough to have me now recommending a season pass to friends and family. 

Without giving too many spoilers away about the story itself, things do inevitably turn out for the best for George. This heartwarming tale was paid homage to in the most prolific manner by an extremely talented cast and crew. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, “A Wonderful Life” is a must-see. The nostalgic nature of the musical, complimented by the kind-hearted Derby Dinner employees/performers, are a recipe for holiday success.

By the end of the night your bellies will be full, needs accommodated to, and there’s even a chance new friends will be made in the parking lot after the show! They’ll be the ones who are humming or singing alongside you as you each search for your respective vehicles in the parking lot. If you haven’t reserved a seat for this show yet, be sure to book a table before the end of the production.

A Wonderful Life Derby Dinner Playhouse November 13- December 31 2024 525 Marriott Drive Clarksville, IN  47129 https://derbydinner.com/show/a-wonderful-life/