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George thought suicide was his only option. He owed the bank too much money; he’d lose his home, maybe even his freedom. Perhaps he would join the lament of the biblical character Job, what if he’d never been born?

So begins the plight of George Bailey in Turlock Christian’s drama ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ first produced and directed by Frank Capra. This beloved Christmas favorite portrays the importance of each human life, as George is given the opportunity to see what life would have been like had he never existed. Good deeds went undone and a life that George saved didn’t happen, rendering terrible consequence for all involved.

It was our own Geoffrey Retemeyer, who stunned audiences at Denair Gaslight Theater in the lead role, with a superb impersonation of the great Jimmy Stewart. The entire cast transported the audience back to the original version of the movie first released in December of 1946, presenting the play in black and white.

Casey Franco did an excellent job portraying Clarence, the bumbling angel who must enlighten George as to his true worth in order to earn ‘wings’. Other notable performances were Leon Fox portraying the menacing Henry Potter, and Julia Chamberlain portraying the lovely Mrs. George Bailey.

Before the drama began, Kristen Tillotson treated audiences to a special Christmas monologue celebrating the birth of Christ. It was moving and nicely set the scene for the main drama.

Director, Dawn Davis, is to be commended for leading her troupe, and serving up such an amazing rendition of a well-loved play.

The story closes with George realizing that his life matters. That each person’s life touches and blesses another; definitely something to reflect upon this holy holiday season.