It’s a Stevie Wonderful Life
For those of you who have watched It’s a Wonderful Life enough times and feel ready to move on, you can’t miss with The Troubadour Theater Company’s It’s a Stevie Wonderful Life at the Falcon Theatre. The troupe has dusted off and refurbished this, their first reprise production that first appeared at the Falcon for the 2005 holiday season.
The Troubies’ irreverent but affectionate take on the venerable black-and-white tale of depression-era greed and redemption begins with director (and star) Matt Walker’s “welcome to the Arc Light.” References to the movies and the movie business continue throughout, as the gifted cast ad-libs and wisecracks its way through a plot that is punctuated with Stevie Wonder songs dressed up with new lyrics to suit the situation.
Some of the gags are brilliant, some just plain silly, but the expertise of this particular troupe is undeniable. The actors are called upon to sing, pratfall, and even bungee-jump their way through the material. At the top of the list is Walker (playing George – you know, that George). An immensely versatile performer, Walker has a goofy style reminiscent of Bill Irwin, the clown par excellence, yet infuses it with his own brand of charm. He is ably supported by straight-person, Erin Matthews, as George’s wife Mary.
Several members of The Troubies stand tall among the rest. Morgan Rusler as Mr. Potter, the Banker, is dead-on target with his exact imitation of Lionel Barrymore. The other charmer, Rick Batalla, plays the angel, Clarence, as an East L.A. zoot suiter who took a wrong turn somewhere. His comic time is supreme, and his finale flight across the stage is worth the price of admission. Jen Seifert is great as Violet, among other roles.
It takes more than a village to construct this madness. Christine Lakin is back to reprise her original choreography with the help of Ameenah Kaplan. The no-nonsense set by Mike Jesperson is serviceable, as lighted by Jeremy Pivnick. Sharon McGunigle continues her string of costume hits for the Troubies, along with sound designer, Robert Arturo Ramirez. But the glory must go to the superb four-piece band, headed by Music Director Eric Heinly.
Take my advice. For an evening of rollicking fun, go on over to the Falcon Theatre. There’s an angel who needs your assistance! And for the holidays, just to boost attendance, the Falcon Theatre is offering two-play “laugh packs” for sale as gifts. What better way to support the theatre community!
It’s a Stevie Wonderful Life continues a short run through January 4th at the Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Dr., Burbank 91505, Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 4:00 pm. Tickets, $32.00 to $40.00. Call the box office at (818) 955-8101.