Reading Community Players presents a live retelling of the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The production opens Friday, Dec. 5, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 7, at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. 5th St., Reading.
Audiences will leave seeing their own lives through George Bailey’s wrenching choices and joyful discoveries. This spirited production reimagines Bedford Falls with bold theatricality and creative designs that invite every viewer to become citizens of the small town.
Vivid costumes and interactive staging create an immersive holiday experience that’s both intimate and cinematic.
George Bailey weds Mary, portrayed by Tim Weiss and Emily Hershey, in the Reading Community Players production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the WCR Center for the Arts Dec. 5 to 7. (Photo courtesy of Reading Community Players)
Under the direction of Randy Miller, the show mines fresh emotional depth and laugh-out-loud comedy from familiar moments. George’s struggles feel immediate, the supporting ensemble bursts with lovable color, and the angelic presence is as surprising as it is tender.
Miller has greatly appreciated putting this heart-warming show together.
“I enjoy bringing dramas to the stage, developing the storyline into a believable experience for the audience,” Miller said in the release. He also likes “to help actors of all experience levels to bring their characters to life, make them believable, and deliver the meaning of the story.”
Appearing as Mary, local actress Emily Hershey treasures the director’s guidance along with her own efforts.
“I’m thinking about my character on and off as I go throughout my daily life. So when it finally clicks on stage, it’s magical. Being in the moment on stage and embodying who the person is alongside your cast mates, forgetting your real self entirely- there’s nothing like it,” Hershey said in the release.
Tim Weiss, who plays George Bailey, said many people consider this one of their favorite movies.
“They can enjoy a familiar, uplifting story while seeing it done a bit differently. They will leave feeling warm and fuzzy,” Weiss said in the release.
The Martinis purchase their first home in the Reading Community Players production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the WCR Center for the Arts Dec. 5 to 7. (Photo courtesy of Reading Community Players)
Jeremy Herchelroth, portraying Mr. Martini, looks forward to sharing a holiday message with the audience.
“By being a part of this show, it gives me an opportunity to step back in time to show what a small town is like at Christmas. Also, the hope and togetherness that this time of year often brings is so important,” Herchelroth said. “Seeing this show will be a great reminder of the impact we have on other people’s lives.”
Miller will also relish the audience reaction.
“All the despair and hard times we each experience in our lives tend to bring us down,” said Miller. “It’s a Wonderful Life lets us all know that there is good, that we need to open our hearts, eyes, and ears to feel the meaning of the season.”
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and can be purchased online at readingcommplayers.com. Contact the Reading Community Players box office at rcptheatre@gmail.com for further information.
Reading Community Players is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality theatre and arts education to communities. To learn more about the organization and its offerings, visit www.readingcommplayers.com. For questions, contact the RCP President at 610-507-3436 or email RCPtheatre@gmail.com.