Theater Review: It truly is a wonderful life at Brigham’s Playhouse

Executive producer Jamie Young greets the audience at the opening of every show at Brigham’s playhouse. He explains the history of the theater and the show, announces raffle winners, and in general makes everyone feel welcome. However, this show also began with the ringing of a beautiful brass bell inscribed with the familiar motto, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” With a full heart, Jamie Young informs us that the bell is dedicated to the memory of Cindy Campbell, a dear friend and loved one to many in the community. Cindy has passed on to receive her wings, and she is sorely missed by all. The performance of “It’s A Wonderful Life” is in her honor.

We all know the classic Christmas film with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. George Bailey, a young father and banker, finds himself in dire straits during the holiday season and wishes he had never been born. His wish is granted by his guardian angel, who gives George the chance to see a world in which he had never existed. George finds his hometown of Bedford Falls, New York, grim and impoverished. Having no idea of the many lives he had enriched, George realizes how wrong he was. He pleads to the heavens to restore his reality. With a newfound appreciation and love for the life he had previously wished away, he runs home to the warmth and smiles of his family. To his surprise, the town has rallied around him, refusing to let a good man and friend fall. On Christmas Eve, George Bailey learns the true meaning of the holidays.

Tim Merkley impresses as George Bailey. Opening the show with the number “Bedford Falls,” his voice is warm and confident and never diminishes. Channeling the spirit of Jimmy Stewart, he captures the feel of the original film in his voice and mannerisms. An ace at comedic timing, Merkley is a breath of fresh air to theater. There isn’t an ounce of overacting within him. I will stand by these words—any actor on the stage can learn from watching him.

Playing George Bailey’s beautiful wife and love is Tamera Merkley. Tamera’s acting is unfaltering, and her voice shines throughout the show, especially in the number, “In Your Eyes.” With the exception of an ill-fitting wedding dress, she dazzled in her gorgeous and brightly colored costumes. I found myself wanting to have most of them in my personal closet. Tamera is clearly at home on the stage, engaging the audience with every move.

Bruce Gerry played dual roles as Uncle Billy and Bert. My favorite moment of his was as Uncle Billy, opposite George Bailey after he had lost $8,000. Gerry digs deep and finds the inner desperation the moment calls for. Great job.

Taylor Williams spreads his talent between three different roles: Pop Bailey, Mr. Martini, and the Voice of Joseph. As Mr. Martini, he nails the Italian accent and the boisterous, comedic role. His professional vocals ignite the number, “Bless You George Bailey,” producing uproarious applause! Meanwhile, Misti Cain as Mrs. Martini blows your mind with her operatic voice.

Not only was Dale Hoopes the stage manager and lighting and sound engineer, he also played three different roles: Sam, Mr. Reinman, and Mr. Carter. Every moment on stage, he brought the energy level up. Whether running the lights, moving sets, or making your side hurt from laughter with his natural comedic timing, he was a pleasure to watch.

George Warren embodied the role of the villainous banker, Henry Potter. Playing a wheelchair-bound character might inhibit an actor, but Warren not only exuded energy, he made it seem natural. In his song, “Tell Me What You Want”, he combined charisma with wickedness. You loved to hate his character—exactly the feeling a villain should inspire.

Clarence, George Bailey’s second-class guardian angel, is enjoyably played by Steve Horner (shared on alternate nights with Michahel D. Eaton). Although he struggled vocally during his songs, he compensated by hamming it up.

Tina Fosyth did a great job with the costumes. Everyone was dressed in the correct fashion of the mid-1940s. The costumes blended with the sets and props in a way that enhanced the atmosphere of the production.

Speaking of the sets, Brigham’s Playhouse once again does not fail to impress! They utilized their trademark double-sided moving walls, both stage wings, and even the entrance to make the most of the theater space. Director Karissa Young devised some impressive sleight of hand by keeping action moving on the wings during main stage set changes.

The only aspect of the set I didn’t agree with was during a phone call scene when Sam is heard as a disembodied voice talking to Mary and George. This method works in the heaven scenes where voices of the unseen angels are speaking to Clarence but is awkward for earthly events. To get a “split screen” phone call effect, Sam could have been shown on one of the wings.

Lastly, Tim Merkley’s choreography wowed in a relatively small theater space. All it takes is an awareness of yourself and your surroundings.

Brigham’s Playhouse’s production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” is more than a night at the theater: it’s an experience. Everyone on stage is clearly having a blast, and the audience shares in the spirit for an amazing evening. As you sip on wassail or hot chocolate, biting apart cinnamon bears, you are filled with the warmth of the holidays, and you don’t want the show to end. If any theater warranted the generosity of its patrons, it is Brigham’s Playhouse. They are currently running a fundraiser. Please visit their Indiegogo site and donate whatever you can. The amount isn’t important; like Bedford Falls did for George Bailey, let’s rally behind them and refuse to let a good theater fall.

Playing through Jan. 2 (check for dates that are dark for the holidays), performances run every Tuesday through Saturday.  Be sure to take your loved ones to Brigham’s Playhouse for a holiday experience no one should miss!

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