It's a 'Wonderful Life' again

For many people, "It's a Wonderful Life" is as much a part of the Christmas season as the tree and standing in line at the post office.

The heartwarming tearjerker, brought to the screen by Frank Capra, was turned into a stage play several years ago by James W. Rodgers, giving fans a chance to see it either as a movie or a piece of theater. The result is the same -- we get a chance to see goodness triumph over evil, just when things seem darkest, and we are reminded of our own worth, no matter how bad we feel about ourselves.

And, as Contra Costa Christian Theater's Al Anderson points out in the program, "It's a Wonderful Life" "is the only movie that starts with people praying." Anderson, who directed the show, stages the production to feature the Christian points in the story -- fitting, of course, because this is a Christian theater creating a play for a Christian celebration.

The material, however, is clever enough that it never feels manipulative either in a religious or emotional sense, even though you regularly get your emotions rung as the play progresses.

"Wonderful Life" is the story of George Bailey (Keith Barlow), a kindly loan officer who finds himself at the end of his rope as Christmas approaches. We meet him as he is standing on a bridge contemplating suicide.

We also meet Clarence Odbody (Gary Mutz), an angel second-class who must earn his wings. He is assigned as Bailey's guardian angel, and if Bailey does himself in, Clarence could continue being wingless for decades.

So, Clarence helps Bailey review his life to show him he did have a reason for living, in many ways, and if he had never lived, his hometown of Bedford Falls would be a much different and considerably more unpleasant place.

It is an ode to the common man, reassuring in its position that each of us is vital. It is reassuring, certainly, and creates a lovely seasonal message for Christians and non-Christians, alike.

Barlow and Mutz have a nice chemistry together and create some pleasing moments as they move through the life of Bailey.

But sterling theater is not what this production is all about. Contra Costa Christian Theatre is a classic little theater with a spiritual message, and what comes across from the stage is a good feeling of people gathering purposely to not only enjoy creating a play but to share their religious beliefs with the audience in a gentle way.

And, during the holiday season, it's the sort of message all of us enjoy hearing.

Pat Craig is the Times theater critic. Reach him at 925-945-4736 or pcraig@cctimes.com.