‘A Wonderful Life’

Jimmy Stewart’s favorite movie gets a musical treatment at Paper Mill.

By: Stuart Duncan
   When Jimmy Stewart, the Hollywood actor, was asked about "his favorite movie," he always answered It’s a Wonderful Life. He knew it wasn’t his best performance, or even his most exciting role, but he explained it this way: "It was after the war, you know, and Hank Fonda and I were staying together down at the beach." He really wasn’t certain that after five years in the Air Force people would remember him.
   "And then Frank (Capra) called with a role about a decent sort of guy who was down on his luck and intended to jump off a bridge."
   The film wasn’t a huge success until years later, when it became a tradition, second only to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. So it is no surprise that for its holiday entry Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn is staging a musical version of the film. The title has dropped "It’s" so that now it is being called A Wonderful Life, but the story remains the same, and a cast of more than three dozen work hard to rouse the Christmas spirit and, for the most part, succeed. The book and lyrics are by Sheldon Harnick and the score is by Joe Raposo.
   Paper Mill favorite James Brennan is directing (he seems to succeed at whatever he does, acting or directing, and here he establishes his own special blend of energy and sweetness). He has assembled an impressive company, mostly of little-known names, but hugely talented, led by James Clow as George Bailey, the despondent young man. Catherine Brunell plays Mary Hatch (the Donna Reed role).
   The first act wanders a little as it takes care of the exposition, paying particular attention to the wooing and cooing process of the two lovers. But by Act 2 we are back to the Capra tale and the audience (including many families) is loving every minute of it. There are strong performances by Emilee Dupré as Violet; J.B. Adams as Uncle Billy; Nick Wyman, who is a terrific Henry Potter; and Sean Martin Hingston as Sam Wainwright. Jeff Brooks plays Clarence (Angel Second Class).
   There is some lovely singing and ensemble work and a fine set design (by Charlie Smith) that slides in and out or drops into place, or spins on a turntable — all the technology is at work here. Richard Winkler has lit the show to perfection and Gail Baldoni has clearly had fun in providing period costumes. And the ending is touching enough to cloud over even the most cynical eyes.
A Wonderful Life continues at Paper Mill Playhouse, Brookside Drive, Millburn, through Dec. 17. Performances: Wed. 7:30 p.m.; Thurs., Sun. 2, 7:30 p.m.; Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 2, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $19-$68, $16 students. For information, call (973) 376-4343. On the Web: www.papermill.org