Matthew Schleigh as George Bailey holds his daughter, Zuzu, played by Sophie Crossland, in Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s production of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ Photo by Jeri Tidwell.
You are sure to have a wonderful time at Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s touching production of It’s A Wonderful Life, directed by the always fabulous Toby Orenstein and Tina Marie DeSimone.
The story in Toby’s production is first and foremost. Successfully written and adapted by Michael Tilford, It’s A Wonderful Life is centered around the life of George Bailey (an amiable Matthew Schleigh), an everyman who set aside his own hopes and dreams after being voted to run his late father’s building and loan company. He dedicates his life towards helping the people of the small town of Bedford Falls.
When Uncle Billy (an endearing Andrew Horn), who also works at the building and loan company, mistakenly leaves $8,000 of the townspeople’s money in a newspaper given to Mr. Potter (a Scrooge-like Robert Biedermann 125), an investigation ensues, threatening the integrity of George Bailey and his business. This puts George on the edge of a bridge, believing that he is “worth more dead than alive,” according to Mr. Potter. Through the heavenly help of two angels, Joseph (a wise and wonderful David Bosley-Reynolds) and Clarence (a very animated David James), George Bailey learns that even though life isn’t perfect, it is wonderful.
The small town feel of this show will leave you with big grins and even a few happy tears.
The music and lyrics by David Nehls helps to move the story forward. “Syncopation Rag,” performed by Violet (a vivacious MaryKate Brouillet) and the townspeople, is a song highlight. The rhythm of the music, MaryKate’s clean and clear vocal chops, and the high energy of the ensemble, made the audience tap their feet to much delight. But the performer and song that stole the show was David James’ solo, “Ya Gotta Have Wings.” Here, David James as Clarence is still an angel-second-class who longs to earn his wings. This old-fashion type of Broadway tune was made for David James and his comedic style, allowing him to win the hearts of the audience. But, does he ever win his wings?
What really makes the music sound as good as it does is due in part to the OUTSTANDING original orchestrations/vocal arrangements by Tim Crofoot and the additional orchestrations/arrangements by Ross Scott Rawlings and Douglas Lawler. The live musicians on the keyboard, trumpet, reeds/woodwinds, trombone, and drums/percussion, truly deserve to be acknowledged as a reason as to why I enjoyed Toby’s production so much.
One of the finest performances of the show is that of Lynne Sigler as Mrs. Bailey, George Bailey’s mother. Reminding me of the classy and heartfelt style Angela Lansbury, Lynne Sigler is able to tackle the comedic and dramatic moments equally. Most notably is the graveyard “unborn” dream sequence where she is mourning the loss of her son Harry when she encounters George. She can sing too with ease as showcased in “The Greatest Gift” reprise.
Other standout performances include, Jace Franco alternating with Gavin Willard as Young George, Caroline Otchet alternating with Samantha Bloom Yakaitis as Young Mary, Lawrence B. Munsey as Ernie, Tina Marie DeSimone as Aunt Tillie, and Jeffrey Shankle as Bert.
Overall, families will have a wonderful time at Toby’s touching production of It’s A Wonderful Life. A sign above the theatre entrance says, “Welcome to Bedford Falls.” The small town feel of this show will leave you with big grins and even a few happy tears. It is well worth a trip to “Bedford Falls.”
Running Time: Two hours and 3o hours, with one 20-minute intermission.
It’s A Wonderful Life plays through January 10, 2016 at Toby’s the Dinner Theatre of Columbia— 5900 Symphony Woods Road in Columbia, MD. Reservations are required at (301) 596-6161, (410) 730-8311 or 800-88TOBYS, or purchase them online.
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