Review: 'It's A Wonderful Life' by Landmark Community Theatre

Dedicated to the memory of my father Austin N. Sasso, who no doubt already has his wings

Thomaston, CT - Landmark Community Theatre ends their 2017 season with the perennial holiday classic ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ a play in two acts by James W. Rogers based upon the iconic film by Frank Capra and the story by Philip Van Doren Stern. The production was directed by Jeff Dunn and runs through Dec. 10 at the Thomaston Opera House. Mr. Dunn notes that the task of this cast and crew was “not to copy or mimic the movie, simply to respect it and make the show our own.”

The director/producer, who serves as the executive director of Landmark, also writes that he has always associated the story of George Bailey and the fictitious town of Bedford Falls with his hometown of Thomaston. “It, like so many cast[s] for shows here at the Opera House, is made up of a small community of people that truly care for each other.” Mr. Dunn reminds the audience that there have been times when the town has contemplated closing or eliminating this beautiful venue and the activities that happen inside it, and he invites us to imagine how different life would be without it. “It could easily have become Pottersville.”

Mr. Dunn also decided to dedicate this production of ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ to Landmark’s good friend George Paris who recently passed away. Mr. Paris played Clarence in the 2008 production of this piece and was “a true angel to all of us at the Thomaston Opera House.”

The entire production had a definite hometown feel, from the casting of the roles to the look of the various scenes. A flurry of snow was added to set the scene as the show began on the bridge. The charm of the film was preserved while bringing the life lessons to a new generation.

“What is it that you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.” - George Bailey

Susan Hackel (Sister Mary Lazarus in ‘Sister Act’) returned to the TOH to play the role of George’s mother in her first non-musical role since her college days. Karen Adamczyk returned to the TOH to play the role of Potter’s efficient secretary. Jennifer Alena was Mrs. Martini and Christine Rodrigue was Mrs. Thompson. Carl Sanderson was Mr. Martini

Erica Blasko played the lovely Violet. Marc Costanzo covered the roles of Ernie and Sam Wainwright. Michelle Marchetti, a para at WAMS, played Mrs. Andrews while her son Anthony, a 7th grade student at WAMS, was a newspaper boy. Both mother and son dedicated their performances to Ms. Marchetti’s father.

Theron Johnson, a recent college graduate, did well as George’s brother Harry. Bill Knight of Torrington (‘A Man of No Importance’ with Phoenix Stage Company) was mostly sullen as Potter’s goon and Steve Sorriero (‘Mamma Mia’) was at Potter’s side as Carter. It was so great to see the usual production team member Jim Luurtsema actually step up onto the stage to cover the role of Zuzu’s teacher’s husband Mr. Welch. Humphrey Rolleston of Litchfield played the pharmacist Mr. Gower.

Allen Marko of Bristol, who has played Mr. Martini twice in ‘Wonderful Life,’ here played the role of Uncle Billy and Jean Henry played Aunt Tilly. Mike Riley, who has lived across the parking lot of the Opera House for 37 years, appeared in his first Landmark production as Bert.

Lucas Peck, the grandson of the late Alex Giacin, was Tommy Bailey. Abigail Stanford made her Landmark debut as Janie and WAMS student Ethan Wollman (‘The Happy Elf’) appeared as a young George Bailey and Peter Bailey. Madeline Roberts, a fourth grade student and a Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theater veteran, was a lovely Zuzu. The ensemble included Grace Nolan of Thomaston, Grace Pinkerton, Watertown resident Camryn Tucker, and Jillian Alena of Thomaston.

I enjoyed seeing James M. Wood take on the role of the angel-to-be Clarence. Last seen at the TOH in ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ and ‘Guys and Dolls,’ this actor brought out the comedy and the caring in this wonderful role. Also memorable was the strong performance of Jim Lones in his first appearance on the Opera House stage as the evil Henry F. Potter.

Jenny Dressel, a middle school teacher by day who recently played Margot in ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ with Landmark and last week appeared in ‘Catholic School Girls’ with Backyard Theatre Ensemble, was luminous in the role of Mary Hatch Bailey. She writes in her bio that her life goals include “looking like Donna Reed and buying a house as easily as Mary Bailey.”

Rob Girardin (Buddy in ‘The Buddy Holly Story’) was the perfect choice to take on the iconic role of George Bailey. The young actor plays it with a just a touch of Jimmy Stewart and makes the role his own. He dedicates his performance to the woman who first introduced him to the Bailey’s and Bedford Falls, his Nana.

Gary Kingsbury was in charge backstage as stage manager while Andrea Bingham served as production manager. Costumes designed by Courtney Deraleau and Barbara Piscopo brought back the period and the set designed by Bob Brophy worked well. Aaron Westcott was responsible for both the sound design and effects and Tori Campbell designed the effective lighting. The Christmas music performed by Juan Cardona Jr. on the Opera House organ before the show began always helps to set the mood.

Pictured: The Bailey Family from "It's A Wonderful Life" playing November 24th through December 10th. Purchase your tickets today by visiting our website or calling the Box Office, 860-283-6250 Photo by Lisa Cherie

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417