Health & Fitness
It's Already Christmas Eve at The Encore!
Working with celebrities Kathie Lee Gifford and John McDaniel to bring a new family tradition, "It's a Wonderful Life," back to The Encore in 2011!
We may be preparing for Halloween in the outside world, but inside it's Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls, NY., 1946! That's because rehearsal is underway for The Encore's original musical version of the holiday film classic, It's a Wonderful Life.
The new musical made it's world premiere at The Encore in 2010 and this year it returns with new scenes, new songs and lots of holiday cheer.
The production was written to be performed on The Encore stage by Kathie Lee Gifford (The Today Show) and John McDaniel (The Rosie O'Donnell Show) along with The Encore's Dan Cooney and Jon Huffman. The writing team attended the show last year along with Kathie Lee's celebrity husband Frank Gifford, after which the audience was invited to participate in a holiday champagne toast lead by Ms. Gifford.
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Since then, the script has enjoyed "readings" with casts and producers in New York, and a concept cast recording has been made. I was honored to be invited to Kathie Lee's home in Connecticut to record the role of Clarence, the wingless guardian angel, the role which I originated in The Encore's production.
Kathie Lee was a gracious hostess during the numerous recording sessions, and opened her home (including her refrigerator and wine cabinet) to around 15 singers, including The Encore's Dan Cooney and Jessica Grové with John McDaniel on the piano. Frank would occasionally wander into the studio too, but admitted he knew very little about theatre and intended to leave that to Kathie Lee.
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Last year, the show sold out quickly leaving many people on waiting lists for tickets. This year, The Encore has added performances to give more opportunities to see this new holiday classic! The show will run for a total of 30 performances beginning Nov. 17 through Dec. 23.
If you're new to the story of It's a Wonderful Life, here's a short break down. The musical is based on the classic holiday film of the same name starring Jimmy Stewart. The tale takes place in Bedford Falls in 1946, and George Bailey, who has long considered himself a failure, faces financial ruin and arrest and is doubting his own self worth.
High above Bedford Falls an eternally bumbling angel, Clarence Oddbody, is sent from Heaven to help George out. After 200 years Clarence has yet to earn his wings. But first, Clarence is given a crash course on George's life, and the multitude of selfless acts he has performed.
I'm excited to be returning to the show this year as Clarence. I'm equally thrilled to be rejoined by my good friend Rusty Mewha as George Bailey. In addition, the incredibly talented Liz Griffith will be joining us from New York to revisit the role of Mary Hatch. The rest of the cast is stellar, and the new material is fantastic!
One of the new songs was written for my character as a new finale to the show and I'm so excited to be able to sing it. The song is called "What You've Given Away" and I was shocked to receive a phone call from John McDaniel as he was writing the song. He wanted to know what my "top note" was, so he could write the song for my voice. I don't think I've ever been more flattered. I can't wait to sing the song with the cast.
I have to say that it's fantastic to see the show becoming a holiday tradition for many families in Dexter and the surrounding areas, and I'm proud to be a part of that tradition.
I can't wait to see you at It's a Wonderful Life at The Encore!
For more information or to purchase tickets visit The Encore's website, www.theencoretheatre.org or call 734-268-6200.