UMD Intro to Theatre Reviews

The Duluth Playhouse received a standing ovation on Thursday December 4, 2008, with its opening performance of It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Cal Metts. The play was originally a movie by Frank Capra and later dramatized to a play by James Rodgers. The performance shows the struggles that humans face, the choices they make, and how even though one may not be aware, the effect they have on others throughout their entire life.
Located in a small town called Bedford Falls, the play depicts the life of George Bailey, played by Drew Autio. During George’s life, roadblocks are presented that initially alter his view of the life he is living. Audio does a phenomenal job of acting out these financial and emotional struggles that George goes through that lead him to attempted suicide. Just in time, Clara, a guardian angel in hopes of saving George’s life and earning her wings, persuades him to rethink his decision of suicide and appreciate his life to its fullest extent. Clara, whose character is played by Channi Ninneman, succeeds by taking George on a journey of flashbacks and by showing him the could-have-beens of others lives if he had never been born. Together, Audio and Ninneman create a play that will be memorable to those who see it for years.
This play speaks to most all individuals who have viewed it. At some point in every human’s life, there are struggles presented similar to those of George Baileys that humans need to overcome for survival and future happiness. This play is a must see, especially during the holiday season, and is a great reminder to be thankful for everything you have, and fortunate for the life you have lived today.

The Duluth Playhouse received a standing ovation on Thursday December 4, 2008, with its opening performance of It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Cal Metts. The play was originally a movie by Frank Capra and later dramatized to a play by James Rodgers. The performance shows the struggles that humans face, the choices they make, and how even though one may not be aware, the effect they have on others throughout their entire life.
Located in a small town called Bedford Falls, the play depicts the life of George Bailey, played by Drew Autio. During George’s life, roadblocks are presented that initially alter his view of the life he is living. Audio does a phenomenal job of acting out these financial and emotional struggles that George goes through that lead him to attempted suicide. Just in time, Clara, a guardian angel in hopes of saving George’s life and earning her wings, persuades him to rethink his decision of suicide and appreciate his life to its fullest extent. Clara, whose character is played by Channi Ninneman, succeeds by taking George on a journey of flashbacks and by showing him the could-have-beens of others lives if he had never been born. Together, Audio and Ninneman create a play that will be memorable to those who see it for years.
This play speaks to most all individuals who have viewed it. At some point in every human’s life, there are struggles presented similar to those of George Baileys that humans need to overcome for survival and future happiness. This play is a must see, especially during the holiday season, and is a great reminder to be thankful for everything you have, and fortunate for the life you have lived today.

It’s a Wonderful Life was a magnificent play that had plenty to offer the audience. Cal Metts, the director of the play, helped to create the strong messages that were intended for the original It’s a Wonderful Life by Frank Capra. She did this by projecting each scene with a splendid and imaginative fashion. Although the play was very realistic, there were parts that required quite a bit of the mind’s eye. One of the main characters, known as Clara Odbody, played by Chani Ninneman, is a guardian angel who tries desperately to save George Bailey, Drew Autio, in hopes of earning her wings. Both actors are able to take us on a journey throughout the play that portrays important life messages to the audience.
The stage and scene design of It’s a Wonderful Life helped make the play very unique. The center of the stage was left opened for imagination and was framed with old gray building on both sides of the stage. Connecting the two, was a bridge that at one point, George Bailey contemplated jumping off to put himself out of misery. Cal Metts, along with scenic designer, Curtis Phillips, did a good job of transforming the space they had available into a city that is able to portray numerous years of a person’s life.
The structure of the play included many flashbacks of George Bailey’s life. One would think this may be hard to accomplish, but once again, Metts pulls through with characters who are able to use the stage space effectively and do an amazing job acting. The background was also a strong point that aided in depicting the structure of the play, showing different pictures and videos at different times of Bailey’s life.
The messages that were intended, the stage and scene design, and the amazing acting combined made this play outstanding. Again, It’s a Wonderful Life is a play worth seeing.

I had the opportunity to see a performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life� at the Duluth Playhouse this past week, and it was a very pleasant experience. This was my first time at the Playhouse and I was very impressed. The opening night performance on December 4, 2008, received a standing ovation.

This very realistic play draws together real life experiences that people are placed into and forced to make decisions. All choices come with consequences, good and bad. This performance was full of real emotion and the audiences got a real feel for how every decision people make truly effects others.

The fast paced flow and music through each scene kept the audience in complete attention. The director, Cal Metts paid a great deal of attention to all detail throughout the production. The cast gave a huge effort keeping the audience in the palm of their hand during this performance. This scenic design of a city capturing many moment of one’s life worked out extremely well. The design was a city with the main stage open and then surrounded by buildings on both sides. There was also a bridge connecting the two. The producer did a great job utilizing the space available to portray the many years of a characters life.

This is definitely a play work seeing. I had a wonderful time opening night.

“It’s a Wonder Life� opened on December 4th, 2008 and rightly so received a standing ovation. The Playhouse was overall an enjoyable experience, the atmosphere was delightful.

Cal Mets was the director, and she did an astonishing job of allowing the actors to realistically portray Clara and George. There were a few moments in which the viewer was allowed to run with their imagination, but generally it was very realistic. Because it was so realistic, it really was able to speak to the audience members and convey the important messages about the struggles of life and how our actions affect ourselves and those around us, the good and the bad. This play is truly great to have around the holiday season because it reminds us to be grateful for what we have, even if we fall on hard times, and that hard times are relevant to each individual.

Overall, this play is entirely worth seeing, and highly recommended to do so. The cast is amazing and the play itself touching.

It’s A wonderful Life� is a production put on by the Playground and given that it is nearing close to the holidays you couldn’t ask for a better play to go and see for all ages. Director, Cal Metts does a great job of structuring an intended longer play into a shorter more reasonable play to go and see. Metts didn’t only structure it to be shorter but also structured the play so that everything was still included but not to the extent. Scenic designer Curtis Phillips also put a great hand of help into the production making it a further success.
In the town Bedford Falls a man by the name of George Bailey (Drew Autio) goes through a series of turning events that bring him stampeding to the gates of depression. As an audience member it’s hard to imagine how this grieving man is going to bounce back to normal until a guardian angel, Clara Odbody (Chani Ninneman) gets thrown on stage suspended above George on a bridge. She helps George discover that during the tough times you can focus on the success life has brought you. She is forgoing this task in search of earning a set of wings.
Scenic design is quite simple for this production with an old grey building frame, open center stage where George and numerous actors fill with great performance, and the bridge which is connected to the grey building frame where Clara oversees George’s life struggle. Also on the stage there were video clips projected on to a wall giving more detail to the stage and informing the crowd on previous events in George’s life. The music was done exceptionally well because from scene to scene the audience could be directed towards what is coming up next by the intensity and mood dispersed throughout the crowd.
The time of year this production was put on could not have been better because the holidays are a time for people to share love and compassion. The situation with George and Clara model this concept perfectly with Clara’s ability to reach out and share some of her love and compassion.
With the scenic design being simple but effective and a story that is intriguing to all ages made “It’s a Wonderful Life� a play to go and see. Given the time of year and the messages learned from a human struggle it’s a play you can take to heart.

The musical score for It's a Wonderful Life is an outstanding blend of old and new. Written by UMD alumnus, Ryan Rapsys, it has both instrumental and electronic textures. The music itself is indeed reminiscent of an older movie era, but with a sound all of its own.

As the moods of the play change from outgoing to somber and foreboding, as does the music. While maintaining its old world sound and utilizing more modern instrumentation/electronic sounds and extended chords. An extremely deep level of thought is apparent in his scoring.

The only thing I would have changed would be the volume. The balance between action on stage and the music often overshadowed Rapsys' work. His work seemed as if the dynamics were being over exaggerated and was often inaudible (though there were points where there was silence).

Overall, Ryan Rapsys' score for It's a Wonderful Life was innovative, while maintaining a respect for the mid-1900s roots of the story.

The "It's a Wonderful Life" by James W. Rodgers and directed by Cal Metts is a very touchy play with great performances from the entire cast. The American version of "A Christmas Carol" can be related to anyone as said in previous posts. This play shows the ups and downs of George Bailey and really shows that most people do have great lives; you just have to take a second to step back and realize that.
The connections that this play had with my life made every second of the production interesting and had the audience locked in until the last line spoken.
The audiences' body language and reactions during the play gave the general feeling of being impressed and that they were enjoying themselves.
As said before, this play was professionally performed and extremely touching. That being said, this play is a must see for everyone and very recommended; from the casts' professional performance to the environment that Duluth Playhouse presents to the director's alterations from Frank Capra's movie, this is an excellent production.

Tanya has made a very good point. The Duluth Playhouse made a wonderful selection in their choice to show “It’s a Wonderful Life�. Although it is an obvious holiday themed play it’s important to understand the underlining message. As Tanya has pointed out it is important for the audience to understand that being thankful is really what the holidays are all about. This sounds quite trite but people tend to loose their sense of self in today’s holiday spirit. Especially in Duluth were it is cold, dark and usually quite unpleasant outside when the temperature gets below zero.
Many people get very depressed and upset or bored with life around this time of year. The holidays seem to only exacerbate the problems of individuals who suffer from the shame and unhappiness of their financial failures or overall discontent with their dark and cold lives in Duluth. Not to say that tons of people are thinking about suicide this time of year, but it is really important for people to remember that the holidays are put on a pedestal and they should be a time of reflection and contemplation of the new year and the year past.
“It’s a Wonderful Life� should be played at the Duluth Playhouse every year. The plot and the message, even though it was written many years ago, still resonate with audiences today and it will for many years after. This is an example of a play that has a great and meaningful storyline.
The idea of going back through ones life and retelling it without them present could benefit lots of everyday people these days.

Many good things can be said about the Duluth Playhouse's production of It's A Wonderful Life. The lead roll of George Bailey (Drew Autio) was played very organically and believably. Bailey is a self sacrificing man who lays his own life and dreams on the line for the sake of others. His brother, Harry plans to take over the family business once graduated from high school, leaving George to go on to college. However, with the unexpected death of their father, one string of bad luck keeps George from escaping the confines of this small town.
The villain in this show, Mr. Potter (Marcus Trudeau) seemed to be among the strongest characters on stage. Knowing he is the bad guy gave him enough spring to jump right into that mindset and pulls it off beautifully.
Mr. Potter is always attempting to find ways of taking over George's business when the times are rough financially, but always manage to work themselves out through more of George and his wife's sacrifices.
When George proclaims that he wish he'd never been born, the show then had much resemblance to Mr. Scrooge and his adventures through the "what if" scenario with a guardian angel to show him what life would be like if he did not exist. Except that in this case, rather than everyone being happy that Scrooge isn't around, the town is over run by Mr. Potter's greed and his wife Mary (played by Jen Bergum) is alone and unhappy.
The show ends with George being grateful for all that he has and has a new appreciation of life.

The show had a very clever way of changing locations with the use of projections, which was a beautiful way to express what mood was necessary for each scene as well as filled the stage which had a very minimal amount of set.

The Duluth Playhouse succeeded in producing an excellent, alternative version of the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life by Frank Capra and adapted to theatre by James Rodgers. Although Director Cal Metts’ representation was a far cry from the story we usually see on film, it gave the old tale a fresh, new look that allowed the audience to focus on the superb acting and themes of kindness and hope.

Drew Autio’s sincere performance as the seemingly perpetually unlucky George Bailey, easily accomplishes the task of making the audience sympathize with him. As we watch his emotional despair worsen with every unfortunate event, his mental state worsens until he becomes suicidal. Thus enters his guardian ‘yet to be an angel’ Clara looking to earn her wings. Graciously played by Chani Ninneman, Clara takes George through a series of flashbacks and dream sequences, which ultimately wash away his feelings of self-pity. Additional invaluable performances by Marcus Trudeau as Old Man Potter and Chelsey Benson as Violet Peterson, give the play additional character and excitement that nicely sparks the audience’s attention by breaking the redundancy of the usual holiday classic.

The decision to skip the intermission and omit parts of the play does create a quick production, but the actor’s performances effectively keep the audience mind’s thinking about the story taking place in front of them, and not how different the production is from the film version. Overall the humility of the story’s theme is more accurately portrayed in this excellent, live performance of a timeless seasonal classic.

When movies and theatre coincide, often times theatre gets the shaft because people have preset ideas in their head prior to seeing the play. Despite the fact that there is a movie, A Christmas Story put forth a creative effort that would make any audience walk away with a new perspective.

The design of the play both progressed and inhibited the the overall production. There was a lack of scenery, despite the constant view of the bridge, but what the play lacked in assembly, they more than made up for with creativity. By shining specific lights on the background the audience could tell where the scene took place, what season it was, and even what the mood was during that particular time.

Another design aspect that was impressive was the use of the fog machine during the scenes where George looks at life without him. The smokiness gave an erie feeling of reminiscence that made the scene seem surreal.

One aspect of the design that could have been better was the sound. The music itself was of good quality, however, it was at a volume that was definitely overwhelming to the audience. The use of musical transitions seemed a little forced and not very authentic. It seemed to be a large part of the play, however, since the actors had to shuffle along to the music it seemed a little over emphasized. There was one aspect of the sound that was exceptional: the carolers. Their voices were a nice break from the drama that made the themes of Christmas spirit really stand out.

All in all A Christmas Story put on a valiant effort that was definitely noticed. With its unusual design, audiences will carry it with them when they evaluate the movie.

The spirit of Christmas stirred the crowd at the much anticipated opening of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the Duluth Playhouse. Director Cal Metts’ approach to the original Frank Capra performance was one to be noted. If this classic story alone doesn’t get you, than the sheer talent of the performers on-stage will.

Drew Autio was cast as the renowned George Bailey. His noteworthy performance effectively establishes the varying emotions his character requires throughout the length of the play. Not only that, but his acting talents shone even more brightly in scenes with Chani Ninneman, who played Clara. It was truly impressive to recognize the chemistry that seemed to inspire them when sharing the spotlight. The sentimental feelings the story envelopes were relatable to the audience in great respect to Autio and Ninneman.

Marcus Trudeau impressively achieved the character of Old Man Potter, the dislikable character in the story. It’s always a wonder to witness an actor capable of completely immersing them self into their character. Trudeau does just that. This was the perfect character for Trudeau, allowing him to completely show off his true talent. The personality of Mr. Potter was the perfect contradiction the story needed to add life and change the direction of the play. He also helped in forming a sympathetic bond from the audience for George Bailey when he would continually cause misfortune in Bailey’s life. Without the character of Mr. Potter, the story wouldn’t be nearly as heartfelt as it’s come to be.

The performance at the playhouse was one not to be forgotten. It’ll inspire anyone lucky enough to see it (and nab tickets!) to leave with a sense of appreciation for his or her own lives. The premise of the story creates a holiday ambiance that will leave you grateful for the time of year and the gifts you’re blessed with. A classic story presented magnificently at the Duluth playhouse.

With the holidays right aournd the corner, "It's a Wonderful Life" is a great production to go see at this time of the year. Director Cal Metts and scenic designer Curtis Phillips make this production a hit with the minimal scene design to portray the many flash back scenes of George's life.

Drew Autio playing the role of George Bailey goes above and beyond to portray the financial and emotional struggles to make his character want to end his life. He, Drew Autio, gave and impeccable performance. This was proven by the standing ovation that the audience gave the cast and crew on opening night. Although, no one is perfect, Drew cam close to perfection in this performance. Those who also helped Drew in this production were Chani Ninneman as Clara, the angel that brings George back and time and to show him what life would have been like without him in it. Also, other characters like the mischievous Victoria Peterson played by Chelsey Benson and the bitter Old Man Potter played by Marcus Trudeau continually add to the storyline and the success of this production.

Overall, "It's a Wonderful Life" has perfect timing and will show all viewers that there are so many things to be thankful for in all of their lives. With the tremendous acting displays of all the actors, this production will put a smile on anyone's face.

A performance that definitely rocked the house was “It’s a Wonderful Life� put on by the Duluth Playhouse. This was an excellent choice for the Playhouse since the holidays are right around the corner and the actors did a phenomenal job. Drew Autio, who played the leading role of George Bailey and actress Chani Ninneman, who played the angel were an awesome pair that allowed the audience to be touched with the struggles that George Bailey faced.

The scenic design of this play was very minimal but allowed the audience to stay on the edge of their seats. Two other aspects that greatly helped were lighting and music. The lighting allowed the audience to see when and where the scene was taking place while the music allowed the play to flow easily together.

Although the play was fast paced, the storyline was still easy to follow. It still caught the hearts of many people. Director Cal Mett brought this old play back to life with a brand new perspective that is a must see for anyone to enjoy this holiday.

As “It’s a Wonderful Life� started to begin, the spirit of Christmas was stirring through the Duluth Playhouse. The Director Cal Metts has done a fantastic job in making this Frank Capra original his own. Cal Metts approach combined with the simplistic style from scenic designer Curtis Phillips, really make it easy for the wonderful acting to show through in this play.

The characters that were cast for this play are perfect; they are really believable and you can see the actors connecting with their characters. The role of the villain Mr. Potter played by Marcus Trudeau, was one of the strongest performances of the night. Trudeau really was the perfect villain he truly became one with his character. Another performance that cant go unmentioned is the lead roll of George Bailey played by Drew Autio, he plays a very caring man who makes so many different sacrifices all for the sake of others. The entire cast did an exceptional job of keeping the audiences attention and making them feel the true emotions of the play.

You couldn’t ask for a better play to see, especially around the holiday season. The underlying theme of this play really reminds people that they need to be thankful for what they have and show some compassion for others. All of theses messages are quite clear in this production and it was a real pleasure to have seen it.

On Friday, December 5th the Duluth Playhouse put on an amazing production of “It’s a Wonderful Life�. After reading some background information on the play and talking to some of my friends who had already gone to it, there were very high expectations for the show. Everyone, from the director to the designers, was able to pull everything together and create a magnificent version of the film turned theatrical performance. What really stood out for me was the work of the actors and actresses on stage. They were so believable and fit so well into character that it really made this production as great as it was, and an instant hit to the eyes of the audience. Chelsey Benson does a spectacular job playing a conniving Violet Peterson, and Drew Autio also performs at a high level as he received the role of George Bailey. The actor who really stood out above the rest though was one Marcus Trudeau who played Old Man Potter.
Benson does a marvelous job with the personality of the character that was she given. She plays a witty, troublemaking, blonde but could be easily overlooked as she doesn’t own one of the major roles of the performance. To perform as someone or something that you are not can be a very difficult and time consuming task, so for Benson to do the research and practice as a conniving character, such as Violet, and be very successful all at the same time is a monumental achievement. She was so genuine and into her character that it would easy for an audience member to think that she is naturally as manipulative as she seemed in the performance. Benson didn’t make this play everything it was by herself though. The work of Autio as a valiant figure in the play not only is crucial to the outcome of the play, but really provides for the happy ending.
Autio’s character in “It’s a Wonderful Life� could be a very difficult role to fit into, as he is a border line bi polar personality throughout the running of the show. Going into the production there were only good things to be said about Autio, and he definitely deserved all things that were said. Autio’s character played one of the major roles of the production, as at the end he realizes he has a wonderful life, so the show really strives on his performance. From an acting standpoint what really made the overall performance great was the fabulous work of Trudeau.
Trudeau plays a money hungry character, and does a fantastic job as supporting cast member in the play. There are many times throughout the show the Trudeau’s character attempts to scam, bribe, and/or unjustly inherit other characters of their finances. Trudeau did an excellent job fitting into his character. The believability of his character was like none other, and the audience could definitely tell the amount of work and practice that Trudeau put into his character.
Having watched this movie back in High School I sort of knew the general plot and theme of “It’s a Wonderful Life�, but can honestly say that this production was much better than the movie could ever be. Director, Cal Metts did an outstanding job at picking the right people for the right parts, and overall running a very well done production. I believe Metts was attempting to present the theme and the overall Christmas spirit around the time of the holidays, and did not only succeed but surpassed any expectations that the audience may have had. “It’s a Wonderful Life� was very much worth the attempt of the director, and the $20.50 per ticket. Overall, this delightful play is a must see for anyone and everyone in the holiday spirit.

Acting is alwaysan important part of plays and other theatrical works. The acting in It's a Wonderful Life, in most ways, did not disappoint.

Collectively the acting didn't seem incredibly believable, but there were some actors that stood out among the rest. Specifically, Mr. Potter did a really good job. His character was consistent with his cruelty, and he never let up on his intensity. His character seemed to be so natural and accomplished.

Mary was superbly done as well. She definitely showed the themes of the play: Christmas spirit and good heartedness. Her character definitely supported the symbolism in the play.

Another character that was amazing was George's mom. When George still existed she was kind, supportive, and caring, but the impressive part was the 180 flip that the actress did with her character once George no longer existed. She went from kind to bitter and angry. Her character was very believable and well performed!

All the actors put forth a good effort, but the music seemed to force them to shuffle along. It made some of the performance seem forced.

In general, the play was rather enjoyable, and the acting definitely added greatly to that. It is positive, that audiences everywhere would acknowledge as a wonderful experience.

The set for the Duluth Playhouse's production of It's a Wonderful Life showed a great deal of thought an ingenuity. It consisted of two building entrances on either side with a raised bridge in the background and a backdrop on which projected different video effects.

The bridge is not only the most important part of the set, but the most important part of the story as well. It is a centerpiece of the stage, and of the story. It was created in such a way that it can be very much a focal point and disappear into the background when it is not an essential part of the scene.

The buildings serve as several representations throughout the play. Being houses, apartments, indoor offices, and other like areas. The look of these buildings is very reminiscent of early 1900's architecture and appear very realistic.

The innovative set at the Duluth Playhouse greatly enhances the story behind It's a Wonderful Life while still alluding to the age-old story on which it is based.

It’s a Wonderful Life is so fitting during the holidays. The director could not have chosen a better season to perform. The holidays are filled with plenty of emotion. The characters could easily portray a typical holiday struggle with love and compassion. This is a great story to see unfold while the holiday spirit lingers. It is also a family affair.
Adding to this rich story, the score definitely gives a special touch. The music features both electronic and instrumental varieties. It captures the essence of each personality and emotion throughout the story. The characters and music feed off one another. There was definitely a lot of thought put into each piece. Ryan Rapsys, in charge of the score did a fantastic job. The range of volume and tone was just what this show needed.
Once again this was a great fit to the holiday season and was easy to make personal connections in my own life. A must see for everyone!

The original Frank Capra film version of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is an American holiday classic seemingly impossible to be surpassed. The alternative theatre adaptation by James Rodgers now playing at the Duluth Playhouse had high expectations from the start. After seeing the movie, it is likely that people approached the production with prior judgments about what they were expecting to see. Although there were several obvious modifications, the overall direction of the play undoubtedly accomplished the original narrative’s purpose with grace and talent. Like many others have previously mentioned, there was a lack of intermission. Although the story was condensed into a timelier version, there was never a question of significant prospects being omitted. Moreover, the attention span of the audience wasn’t a concern with respect to the tremendous performance happening onstage.

The design of the stage was exclusively formatted to replicate the essential scene locations from the classic version. An entrance on either side of the stage to separate structures created a versatile environment, easily transformed to anything from an office space to an apartment. The lighting design was what the stage needed to establish the time period (post World War II), seasonal indications, and the overall varying frame of mind. The backdrop, which provided videos and pictures throughout the length of the production, was the redeeming visual the play needed to establish the appropriate mood to successfully pull it all together.

There were many scenes intended to demonstrate to George Bailey what would have come about had he never been there. These delicate sequences would’ve been tricky to establish without the use of a fog machine. The fog machine alone offered the audience with the necessary visual cues for these scenes. It was solely responsible for adjusting the ambiance into a dreamlike atmosphere. The decision to incorporate such a tool was remarkably efficient.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ was the perfect show that brought Christmas cheer to the Duluth area. The new theatre interpretation of this classic story will touch the hearts of many this holiday season.

Going to see its a wonderful like in any form will no doubt bring back fond memories of the holiday classic. The story of George Bailey and his journey through what life would be like if he never existed was adapted quite well in this more compact version for the theater. There were somethings that had to be cut but for the most part the story remains intact.
The set was what really made the play interesting. Having very few props and using video and picture clips projected to provide a sense of place on the stage was great. It was a great way to make scene changes go really fast which worked well with the compact format of the show.

"It's a Wonderful Life" is a holiday classic and for those who looking for an old classic with revamped then head down to the Duluth playhouse for a wonderful production.

The Duluth Playhouse’ version of It’s A Wonderful Life, directed by Cal Metts, impressively demonstrated how important the relationship between stage design and its actors. Scenic designer Curtis Philips did a great job of creating setting that could be used for the varying scene locations.

Although the large bridge that Clara speaks to George from is visually dominant, much of the stage space remains empty. However this only compliments the production by giving space for the numerous crowd scenes, which are acted out superbly by the entire cast. In some more intimate and musical scenes, the scenic design is forgotten. This is because of the beautiful, but too loud, soundtrack by composer Ryan Rapsys.

The unique use of video and images projected onto the back of the stage was a unique approach to creating the flashbacks and aiding in creating scenic time and place. I think this distracted the audience from the excellent performances of the actors. However, it obviously aided in shortening the length of the production. The stage and scenic design helped compliment this play, but issues with the technological areas of its content may have subtracted from its overall value. The performance is still very good and worth seeing, but requires an open mind in regards to the approach of how it depicts this classic story.

Since the holidays are only a few weeks away, I decided to go to see the play It’s a Wonderful Life at the Duluth Playhouse. By the end of the play, the whole audience was on their feet cheering and applauding. The director, Cal Metts worked well with Curtis Phillips, the scenic designer to help make this play enjoyable for everyone.

The story of It’s a Wonderful Life is about George Bailey, played by Drew Autio, who lays his dreams of a wonderful life on the for the benefit of others. Harry, George’s brother, has plans to take over the family business once he graduates while George goes on to college. George’s plan for college takes a halt with the sudden death of Harry and George’s father, causing George to stay in his hometown. Marcus Trudeau plays the villain in the play, Mr. Potter. Trudeau did an amazing job playing the bad guy and was very confident throughout his performance. Mr. Potter constantly attempts to take over George’s business when the finances get thin and rough but George is able to make things work through his sacrifices. Mr. Potter’s greed takes over the town and makes it lonely and sorrowful.
George later on has a new view on life and becomes appreciative for everything he has.

Overall the play was very good and is a perfect play to go to with the holidays just around the corner.

There was not an empty seat left in the Duluth Playhouse for Cal Metts Production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,� after seeing this play there is no doubt in my as to why. This was the perfect production choice for the Duluth Playhouse being it’s the holiday season, and they rocked the house. Not only did Cal Metts do an exceptional job taking Frank Capra’s original holiday classic, and putting his own kind of twist to it truly making it his own. Metts’ representation focused on the amazing skills that the actors possessed.

This play is packed full of great music and talent. The music was a very important part of this production, a combination of instrumentation and various electronic sounds. The only minor flaw is the music in the play did however force the speed of the play a bit.

As for the acting in this play it was superb, all of the actors were exceptionally well in all their roles. Drew Autio’ s performance as the lead role of George Bailey is very moving, as he takes us through the ups and downs of Bailey’s life. The role played by Chelsey Benson as Victoria Peterson could not go unmentioned; also Marcus Trudeau had a very strong performance as Mr. Potter.

This play is full of great holiday spirit and truly enjoyable for people of all ages. If you get the chance to see it, you should you wont be disappointed.

Reading the previous posts, I started to wonder if I saw the same play as some of the reviewers. The scenic design in It’s a Wonderful Life was described as "simple," lacking, and "minimal.� I don't think that there was anything simple or minimalist about the scenic design. How can anyone who actually saw the scene say that the overpowering bridge was minimalist? Just the opposite - it was very complex, and probably extremely challenging to create. Moreover, the specific set up allowed for an effective use of the space, allowing for the powerful portrayal of the scenes, characters, and moods.

The stage consisted of the two buildings on either side of the stage and the huge bridge, set up at the high elevation, connecting the left and the right sides of the stage. What is unusual is that the scenic design occupied the height of the proscenium, rather than the floor level, which is probably where the misconception that the scene is “simple� came from. The floor of the stage did not have anything but the columns of the bridge, but that certainly doesn’t mean that the scene was lacking anything.

Attention to detail in scenic design was amazing. It showed superb craftsmanship of the scenic designer, Curtis Phillips. The two houses were amazingly painted, with the foggy windows, appropriate for the cold weather. The bridge looked incredibly realistic that it was hard to believe that it was just a theater scene.

The best part was how the scene was actually used. The fact that the floor was clear, allowed for the stage no to be overcrowded with the large cast. The bridge helped divide the space: the angel spend almost the sholw time standing on bridge, looking upon people from the height, just how we imagine them to be. It helped audience become a part of the floor level and identify themselves with characters in the play.

The scenic design was also enhanced by the videos projected on the back wall, behind the bridge. They allowed audience to place the scenes in the appropriate spaces (for instance, the street) and visualize specific moods.

Overall, the scenic design is by far the best I saw in the six plays I saw this semester. It was realistically rendered, it allowed the effective use of space, and it helped in the portrayal of the specific scenes.

Every play displays themes or symbolisms that are the back bone to the plot. It's a Wonderful Life did not disappoint, showing many themes and symbolisms throughout the entirety of the production.

The major theme showed was that of Christmas spirit and general merriment. Through the use of certain characters and their continuous good will, or cruel characters like Mr. Potter who shows the antithesis, the play displays the visual message of "good will to man".

One symbolism that is distributed through the play was the bridge. It was in constant view of the audience, which symbolized George being trapped in the town that he lived in with the life that he is leading.

Another symbolism was Mr. Potter's wheel chair. He was a bitter old man, yet he still depended on the wheel chair and other people to get him around. It symbolized that even though he was strong and powerful and exercised it constantly, he was still weak, his powers were limited. That would make him more bitter.

There were many symbolisms displayed in the play, and all were well established through the use of the actors, scenery and music.

Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" is a Christmas classic. James Rodger's took Capra's verison and shortened it into a stage play. The Duluth Playhouse nailed the theatrical version of "It's a Wonderful Life," directed by Cal Metts on Friday December 5th.

"It's A Wonderful Life" follows George Bailey (Drew Autio) through his life. A kind-hearted man who would do anything to help another, was transformed into a depressed "Scrooge" if you will, when his dreams of going to college were crushed after his father's passing. Autio does a phenominal job keeping the audiences attention as he struggles with financial and emotional hardships, and eventually becomes suicidal. Autio's acting definately makes it easy to sympathize with George Bailey. Autio "became" his character.

Just as George Bailey is ready to put an end to his "terrible" life, Clara (Channi Ninneman), Bailey's guardian angel, appears to save him. Ninneman gives life to the play and gives the audience hope, as her character, Clara, takes Bailey through flashbacks of what other people's lives would have been like without him. Ninneman does a great job of being the "optimistic" character in the play.

All and all the Playhouse's production of "It's a Wonderful Life" was a success. It gave everyone a little bit of Christmas spirit!

“It’s A Wonderful Life� was a smart choice for The Duluth Playhouse’s holiday season. Not only is it an old-fashioned beloved tale that many of us hold dear to us, but this quick performance was the perfect pace for all ages.

Cal Metts, the director, did a great job of cutting this long movie into a short play. Cutting lines and scenes is never easy, but Metts did so without loosing the structure, characterization or the message of the show. The scenic design, done by Curtis Phillips, blended the classic storyline with more modern times. He projected images and film clips onto the back wall, which help set the stage without blackouts or large moving pieces. The bridge across the stage was an inventive way of creating a place for Clara (Chani Ninneman) to watch over George’s (Drew Autio) life. The music was great, rising and falling with the plot of the show.

The acting was well done. The actors paid particular attention to detail, and had infectious stage presence. My thoughts go to Tom House, who played Mr. Welch. He stole the scene! All the actors did wonderfully and definatly did not disappoint.

The show was fast paced and omitted the intermission, but with good reason. The choice to pick up the pace was smart because as the holidays draw near, our families and friends cherish the idea of going out together, and this show could be viewed by a patient mother, a squirmy child or a cranky grandfather all without the repercussions of the loss of interest. Great Job, Duluth Playhouse!

Cal Metts’s It’s a Wonderful Life was “wonderful� in every way. There was not a seat left open on the December 11th performance at The Duluth Playhouse. Everything from the actors, to the set, to the lights and sound were amazing.

The talent in this cast was definitely high class. George Bailey’s character, played by Drew Autio, shined on stage. His booming voice and professional quality made him unforgettable. George went through so many different emotions throughout the play and Autio expressed them beautifully. In the beginning when he wanted to kill himself the viewer really felt his struggle. Then when things were going well for him, the viewer saw his enthusiasm and especially in the finally when everything turns out ok and he realizes he really had a wonderful life.

This play is a great Christmas story that really gets one in the holiday spirit. This was a great choice to put on at this time of year. It really makes one think twice about what they have and appreciate how good we probably have it. Christmas is all about giving and being thankful and this play gets you in the holiday mood. It’s a Wonderful Life is most definitely worth seeing and is a Christmas classic you don’t want to miss this month.

With a set like that of the Duluth Playhouse's production of "It's A Wonderful Life" you know you're bound to see the actors taking advantage of their space. The set design, by Curtis Phillips, was stunning to say the least, with the center focus being a bridge from where George Bailey (Drew Autio) attempts to throw himself off of within the first few minutes of the show.
The foggy atmosphere played well for ambiance in two spectrums: one being that of a dark and cold place where no one walks the streets at night, and the other, a mysterious, yet snowy-like atmosphere that is almost strangely comforting at this time of the year (the "holiday season")

The two buildings on either side of the bridge were also pleasantly comforting in style. The bridge seemed to lend itself to personal interpretation for any symbolism put forth by either the designer (Phillips) or the director, Cal Metts. One may interpret the bridge as a metaphorical bridge in ones life that must be either crossed over or not. This can be obviously concluded by the very plot of the show. However, there was another possibility that the bridge is the road between two lives for George. The life he dreams of leading, and the life he IS leading. With the help of his guardian angel, Clara (Ninneman), he is able to make the crossing by realizing that the life is leading is his own, something he's worked hard for, and certainly something to be thankful for having.

The use of the projector screen in back (which can easily and tastefully be viewed under the arch of the bridge) was a great idea to set up the mood for each scene. The pattern appeared to be a black out, then movement of actors and or sets, a picture being put up on the screen and then lights up on the scene for the action to begin.

Also impressive was the option to have music while the actors were in the scene. Not as a usual play nor a musical where actors would burst out into song about a particular dramatic event. Since the actors were wearing body mics, the sound board could play music over top of a scene without losing any of the dialogue, yet enhancing the dramatic effect as though it were a movie with a score in the background.
The score, composed by Ryan Rapsys, was beautifully done and was very fitting to the style and era in which the show took place.

Overall, this show is a feel-good classic that leaves you feeling ready for the holidays to come.

The cold weather certainly didn’t stop the people from seeing It’s A Wonderful Life at the Duluth Playhouse on the evening of Dec. 11th. Upon entering the playhouse, the red brick walls and ornate looking set drew the audience in and everyone knew that it would be a great performance.

The set as mentioned above was much more ornate than any other play that I’ve seen this semester. There was a bridge that connected the two sides of the stage and it was suspended quite a ways up in the air. There were also two buildings on either side of the stage that eventually played many roles during the performance. A large screen was present behind the bridge which later on proved to be an essential part to helping set the scene and add a lot to the performance. The very first scene there was snow shown on the screen and there were also some really neat sound effects that made it seem as if the audience was standing outside the Duluth Playhouse in the snow and cold! Every scene change was accompanied by a change in the background screen. It was really obvious when the background was changed to a church. The audience knew even before the characters were out on stage that George and Mary had gotten married. This background really enhanced the whole play and made it easy for the audience to understand where the scene was supposed to be taking place.

Lighting was also a big part of this play. When the mood was cheery, the lights reflected that by being bright especially at the end of the play where everyone is in the Christmas spirit. Other times, such as when the scene was taking place in Mr. Potter’s office the lights were much darker which helped convey to the audience that he was the “bad guy� in the play. Clarabelle the angel was highlighted when she was important in the scene. She was on the stage almost the whole time, but when she was a vital part of the scene she always had a spotlight on her. This also helped symbolize the fact that she was an angel from heaven. One more instance that the lighting made a really cool effect was when Clarabelle granted George his wish “to never have been born� and the lights flashed white on the stage and created a lightening effect which really added to the performance and that particular scene.

The characters in this performance did a great job. Even the young children really added to the play and made it seem complete. It’s A Wonderful Life was truly a “wonderful� performance filled with holiday cheer and helped the audience get into the holiday spirit.

“It’s a Wonderful Life� put on by the Duluth Playhouse Theater, is a very sincere play that has a very moving plot and sent many messages to the audience. Frank Capra’s film is a classic, and this play certainly did it justice. This play, directed by Cal Metts, was impressive on many levels, and a must see for local theater fans.

The plot of the play included many flashbacks and Metts pulled this off beautifully. Have gave the actors enough space and the right tools to be able to make it believable. It was easy to tell what part of Bailey’s life was being depicted because there were videos and pictures in the background at all times.

The stage was also extremely prominent in the way the play was viewed. The stage portrayed the center of a city, with different buildings on both sides. The bridge that connected both of them was very creative, and it added a completely different effect to the stage. There were many years of Bailey’s life that needed to be told, and again, Metts made this easily noticeable for the audience.

The play was very realistic, and one could tell that the audience was drawn in by the performance. The way the play was acted, it was easy to tell the many messages that it was trying to send. The play sends the message that all of our actions have consequences, and each and every action that someone does has an effect on someone else. George Bailey, played by Drew Autio, goes down the line of depression because of a chain of events that happens in his life. Clara Odbody, played by Chani Ninniman, helps George realize the good things in his life, and tells him to focus accomplishment that he has achieved in life.

Overall, this play was an enormous success. Cal Metts did a great job, and this is a perfect play to see this holiday season. It will leave you appreciating what you have and will really give you some holiday cheer.

All of the characters shined bright in It’s A Wonderful Life on Thursday night at the Duluth Playhouse. The production contained everything from a modern day chorus type line of singers, to small children and of course George Bailey himself.

George Bailey was played by Drew Autio and he did an excellent job. Regardless of the circumstance in time, Autio successfully portrayed everything from a college student, to a young working man, to a grown man with a wife and family. The interactions that he had with Mary Hatch, played by Jen Bergum, especially the scene where Mary is back from college and George’s mother tells him to go see her, was excellent. Autio excelled at the awkward “I like you, but I’m not really sure how to show it� kind of attitude and it turned out to be quite comical.

Jen Bergum also did an excellent job of playing Mary. It was quite obvious the transformations that she went through from being a high school girl to a grown woman and mother and she did it all very gracefully. The interactions that she had with the children in the play was very believable and that gave her character even more credit.

It was interesting that the playhouse decided to cast young children in the play. One would tend to think that it might be problematic, but all four of the children did a great job. Zuzu Bailey played by Jay Vaidyanathan had said one of the key elements to the play: “Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets its wings,� and he seemed to be the right person to say it. He was so endearing that the audience couldn’t help but to fall in love with him.

Another thing that the Duluth Playhouse utilized well was the use of sound. In many of the plays that I’ve seen this semester, there hasn’t been much of an emphasis on sound. There were little things such as when Mary and George threw the rocks at the old house and there was a sound of a window breaking. Little things like that really help to make it more realistic and add a lot to the performance. Also, it seemed as if every time that George was dreaming about his future there was almost always music playing that was light and airy and “dream-like.� Scarier and darker music was used to open up the first scene in Mr. Potter’s office. It portrayed that he was the bad guy and villain of the play. The performance was really enhanced by the use of many of these different sounds throughout the play.

It was interesting also that the play started at the end, then used flashbacks that went in chronological order from George back to the night when he met Clarabelle Odbody on the bridge. It was very effective in portraying the storyline and it was easy to follow. The final scene tied everything together very well and the audience went away with happy thoughts dreaming about the holidays to come.

The overall theme of this play was very important. Clarabelle had to explain to George that every person has an impact on so many other people and sometimes it’s hard to see that, unless one can look at what life would be like without that person. Clarabelle was able to show that to George and he realized, along with everyone in the audience, that every person is important and the others around you wouldn’t be quite the same without you! This encouraging message spread to the whole audience and made everyone believe, even if for only a second, that we all really do have wonderful lives.

“It’s A Wonderful Life� is a classic holiday tale that will not disappoint. Directed by Cal Metts and performed at the Duluth Playhouse, this production was a perfect holiday show for us all to see. It is a show that reminds us all to be thankful for what we have, especially during the holidays. “It’s a Wonderful Life is the story of George Bailey, played by Drew Autio, who is in a desperate situation and feels that his life is no longer worth living. Bailey has gone through so many horrible events in his life that he doesn't see all the good he has done for others. Bailey decides to commit suicide and is stopped by his guardian angel, Clara played by Channi Ninneman, who shows him what life would have been like without him, and shows him that he should be grateful for his life and everything he has. The characters relive flashbacks of the good things George has done in his life, and he realizes that he has gained a lot throughout his life and others have also been fortunate to have him around. The message was loud and clear from this performance, that we all are important and influence others lives in special ways.

Autio's performance of George Bailey stole the show. His portrayal of George spanned many years of the characters life from college to old age and everything in between. He was able to get all of the emotions George was feeling across to the audience, whether it was desperation or excitement for his newfound appreciation of life in the end. Autio played the classic role of Bailey very well and helped to spread the holiday message to that audience to be thankful for what we have and that we all have something good to contribute to this world.

This familiar tale was the perfect choice for the holiday season and it was very refreshing to see such a classic redone in a new and fresh way, without losing the main theme that we all should be thankful for what we have and have accomplished in our lives.

In “It’s a Wonderful life,� was on stage at the Duluth Playhouse at the perfect time of year. After hearing so much about this play, and seeing the film, the expectations were definitely set high. After seeing this play, two theatrical aspects really stood out to me; lighting and scenic design. These two aspects really helped make the play enjoyable and Cal Metts did a tremendous job turning this film into a live masterpiece.

Like many other plays, the lighting played along with the mood. When everyone was happy and jubilant, the lights reflected this by being especially bright. There were times where the lighting got very dark, and the audience is supposed to view this as a time where something is going wrong. There was a lightning effect that occurred when the Angel approved George’s wish to have never been born. This part surprised me, mainly because the lighting didn’t do this at any other time in the play.

The use of the screen in the background was very impressive. The lighting of the screen and what the difference images it showed really set up the next scene for the audience. It really helped determine the time and place in the play for the audience, which otherwise might have been confusing.

The scenic design was overlooked by many, but certainly appreciated here. The details of the buildings were incredible, and it certainly fit the play perfectly. Curtis Phillips, the scenic designer, really transformed this set, and made it look very real. The bridge certainly made the stage what it was, and was definitely a creative way to pull together the stage. The projection screen also helped the stage, as it told the audience when a scene was changing and what was happening on stage. The fact that the actors could enter and exit on both sides speaks to the versatility of this stage. The scenic design of this play really reminded me of the film and certainly did it justice.

The lighting and scenic design were just a few of the impressive theatrical aspects in this play. This review didn’t give the acting in this play its due diligence, but let it be known that it did not disappoint. This is a perfect play to bring the family to during this holiday season, as its message will certainly leave you appreciating everything that you have in your life.

The cast of “It’s a Wonderful Life� gave an impressive performance on Saturday, Dec. 13th. Director Cal Metts did a great job casting his characters for their roles and putting this production together. “It’s a Wonderful Life� was originally a movie by Frank Capra. Creating the set, costumes, and production of a play that was originally a movie can be extremely challenging, but the Playhouse rose to the challenge and did a wonderful job.

The play is set in the town of Bedford Falls and was written to depict the challenges that each individual will face throughout our lives. The lead role of George Bailey was played by Drew Autio who did a wonderful job of portraying his characters view on his life and the way he chose to live it. Autio put a lot of heart and emotion into his role and was exciting to watch. As his character struggles financially and emotionally the audience is right their watching at the edge of their seats.

Scenic designer Curtis Phillips did a great job setting up the stage and the set. His use of projected images as a background was interesting and brought something different to the stage. While it made things more technical it was nothing the crew could not accomplish. The different images did a great job of showing the structure of play and the different times of George Bailey’s life.

Another actor that gave a great performance Saturday night was Chani Ninneman, who played the role of Clarabelle Odbody a guardian angel who tries to help and save George Bailey in hopes of earning her wings. Ninneman did a great job of giving her character that angelic appeal. Ninneman and Autio do a great job of showing their characters relationship as it builds on their through a journey Autio past and present life. Their duo performance will be remembered by all who watched them.

By the end of production the audience was on their feet giving the cast a standing ovation. Everyone battles certain struggles and obstacles in their lives, therefore the audience can relate to its story, but the cast of the Duluth Playhouse captured the audiences hearts and made it a memorable and unforgettable performance.

Cal Metts’ It’s a Wonderful Life was a technically advanced, magical play that won the hearts of all its viewers. The scenic design, lighting, and sound were all beyond expectations and really made the play come to life on stage.

The lighting in this production portrayed the mood of each scene well. Whenever it was happy, like when George Bailey, played by Drew Autio got married, the lights were bright and light. Then when the mood was somber, like when George was going through the rough times with money, the lighting was dark and dim. Also when his guardian angel, played by Chani Ninneman, was talking to “God� they shown a spot light on her, which was a cool effect because you could tell she was talking to something magical.

The scenery was also something to praise. Even though only a few props were used and the set stayed the same the audience still knew what was going on and where. They pulled out the desk in parts for the register or for Mr. Potter’s desk. And the bridge was significant and unique because actors could walk right across the stage on it and it was above everything else. The houses were very detailed and the lighting in the windows was very realistic.

But the most technically advanced part of this play was the projection screen in the background of the stage. They showed the different scenes with different movies or pictures on the screen. When they were outside there was snow falling. When they were on the street there were old fashioned cars. And the most impressive of all was when they showed a clip from the actual It’s a Wonderful Life film. This really got the audience into the movie and to see some actual footage was fun to compare to the theatrical version.

It’s a Wonderful Life by Cal Metts’ was a fabulous Christmas production that got everyone into the holiday spirit. And with it’s high-tech sound, lighting, and stage, it was a great play to see that brought the movie to life.

Set designer for “It’s a Wonderful Life� Curtis Phillips did a spectacular job of transforming the Duluth Playhouse stage into the classic town of Bedford Falls. Designing for a holiday favorite known by so many could not have been an easy task for Phillips but he produced an amazing design.

The focal point of the stage was the large bridge, which according to director Cal Metts’ notes was meant to symbolize strength and a passageway for the journey that main character George Bailey endures. The bridge is where George initially meets his guardian angel, Clara and serves as Clara’s resting spot for most of the play as she watches George relive his life in Bedford Falls. It made sense to use the bridge as such a large part of the play’s set because it’s where George almost takes his life and in the end it’s where he realizes how important he truly is to the people he loves. The bridge was very impressive and realistic and throughout the play was also used as a platform for various characters. On either side of the bridge stood tall gray buildings, which served as offices, homes, and shops depending on the scene. There was a large screen with video projected at the back of the set, which gave the audience an immediate indication of the environment the characters were in. For instance when a scene was taking place at the Bailey residence the screen had images of the outside of their home. Every screen shot was taken directly from the original “It’s a Wonderful Life� film, which served as a subtle homage to the classic movie as well as something the audience could recognize and enjoy.

“It’s a Wonderful Life� is truly a holiday classic and could not have been an easy design for Curtis Phillips to work on. Overall Phillips’ set was dynamic for the large cast and amount of scenes that took place in the play. Integrating real video from the original film with the impressive bridge and buildings made the world of Bedford Falls come alive on the stage of the Duluth Playhouse.

It’s a Wonderful Life was very well recieved at Duluth's Playhouse. Just in time for the holiday season, it is based on the classic film that warms our hearts every year. Though there are minor changes from the film to the staged production, the feel-good sentiment is the same.

The story follows George Bailey, (Drew Autio) a hard-working family man who we see is financially struggling and loses sight of the importance of his own life. He is so frustrated by the way his life is going, he decides to end it. Autio's performance was touching and very believable. We see his character suffer through the trials of life that most people on this earth must endure. His desperation and despair is very real to the audience, and at some points during the performance, you can almost feel the crowd holding their breath and hoping for the hero of the show.

Before George Bailey can end his life, he meets his guardian angel Clara who is trying to earn her wings and save George’s live in hopes of saving George’s life. She convinces him to rethink his decision of suicide and shows him how important his life is to himself and to everyone around him.

Directed by Cal Metts, It’s a Wonderful Life did a great job of portraying the emotional story, and the set and lighting were a huge part of the feeling of the play. I would recommend seeing this play sometime because it is a great holiday activity.