Christian Center stages 'Wonderful Life'
A beloved Christmas movie comes to life as a musical when Kalispell's Christian Center debuts its annual holiday production on Friday.
"It's a Wonderful Life - The Musical" is an adaptation of the classic 1946 film by Frank Capra, created by Keith Ferguson and Bruce Greer. The musical premiered in Dallas, Texas, at the historic Majestic Theater in 1998.
Set in the fictional town of Bedford Falls, the story revolves around George Bailey, who has big plans for his life until his father's death forces him to take over the family business, Bailey Building and Loan.
After his Uncle Billy loses the money they owe the bank, George contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve but is saved by his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence shows George how much his life means by revealing to him how the world would be without him.
It's a challenge to give the musical its own character while still remaining true to the familiar story, said the Rev. Dick Bishop, who has been at the helm of Christian Center's annual productions 6 years. Bishop is the producer of this year's musical.
Also at the forefront of the production is Sean Morgan, who will direct and act in this year's production.
"Sean is very creative," Bishop said. "He's a real lover of this movie and he's given it its own character, but it will be true to the movie."
Work on the production has been under way for many months. Auditions were held in June and by late summer initial construction of sets had begun. More than 200 people are involved in the production, volunteering time for a wide variety of tasks, Bishop said.
Hundreds of hours are put into preparing props and scenes, and during each of the nine shows the parking-lot team directs hundreds of vehicles to ensure that everyone enters and exits safely.
"It all happens with volunteer help," Bishop said. "Everyone has a job, and the set-making can be quite intense. It's amazing to stand back and watch and realize the commitment that goes into it."
The best part of putting together the annual show is the teamwork and camaraderie that develop over the months, he said.
"It's seeing joy on people's faces and realizing you've made a difference in their lives."
The Christmas production at Christian Center has become one of the biggest holiday events of the season. Last year nearly 7,000 people attended.
Russ Gerard, who plays the lead role of George Bailey, has been involved in Christian Center productions during the past five years.
"I couldn't do it without the support of my fellow cast members," Gerard said. "It's a huge team effort, and I'm fortunate to participate in this event."
Gerard, a heavy-equipment operator, said he could easily relate to George Bailey's story - "family, job, dreams, pressure, God's providence, receiving love from others in times of need."
"It's got everything," he said. "I participate in this event because I feel that it's good for the community to get together at Christmas time and relate, reflect or possibly discover God's hand in their lives."
Other lead members of the cast include Krista VanHelden as George Bailey's wife, Mary; G.J. Hensen as Uncle Billy, Sean Morgan as Henry Potter and Kent McLellan as Clarence the guardian angel.
Performance dates for "It's a Wonderful Life - The Musical" are Dec. 7-9 and Dec. 14-16 at Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Drive in Kalispell.
Shows are at 7 p.m. each day, with 2 p.m. matinees planned Dec. 8, 15 and 16.
Free tickets are available at Christian Center, Simpson Motors and the customer-service desk at Herberger's in Kalispell; Montana Coffee Traders on U.S. 93 and downtown Whitefish; Sunrise Bakery in Columbia Falls and The Grateful Bread in Bigfork.
For more information, call the church at 752-6426 or go online at www.kalispellchristiancenter.org
Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by e-mail at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com