The 1946 film "It's a Wonderful Life" is a story of how friends really can make a difference. Jefferson City's Stained Glass Theatre will present its rendition of the film for three weeks starting tonight.
Director Gail Clements and Assistant Director Debbie Becker lead a six-person cast through a day in the life of George Bailey. In addition to the actors, a seventh person serves as Foley artist, reading lines and reproducing sound effects throughout the play.
Bailey has dreams to go to engineer school and travel the world but feels stuck and goes into a depression after his financing business goes bankrupt - leaving him wishing he had never been born.
Through a twist of events, Bailey's guardian angel grants him this wish and shows him what life would be like if he had never been born.
"No man is a failure who has friends," Clements said. "This play really shows how intricately one's life is intertwined with others."
Becker agreed, challenging the audience to recognize everyone has a purpose and deserves to be loved and cared for.
With the play set in a radio studio, the audience will interact with the actors as if they are at a live show.
Becker said she expects a lot of laughing and clapping throughout the performance.
"I'm most excited for the cast to see the fruits of their labor and to hear the laughs of what they dedicated their time to," Clements added.
Performances are scheduled through Saturday, Dec. 7-9 and Dec. 14-16 at Stained Glass Theatre, 830 E. High St. Tickets are $7 on opening day and $9 for all other shows; tickets can be purchased online at sgtmidmo.org or by calling the box office at 573-634-5313.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays.