THEATER REVIEW:Experience ‘Wonderful Life’ on stage

How many times have you seen Jimmy Stewart racing through the streets of Bedford Falls proclaiming that it is, indeed, a wonderful life?

This year, instead of checking out the classic Frank Capra flick “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the tube, you can experience it on stage in Huntington Beach.

The producing group may be known as the Newport Beach Repertory Theater, but its show will be presented at the Huntington Beach Fine Arts Center. There will be just five performances, all next weekend.

Few theatergoers are unfamiliar with this sentimental story of spiritual rebirth, with the help of an awkward angel.

The movie — with Stewart, Donna Reed, Thomas Mitchell and Lionel Barrymore heading the cast — is a holiday classic, cropping up on the TV listings every December.

The NBRT production, directed by Robert Michael Conrad, will arrive several weeks before the movie appears in your living room. It features a cast of 40 actors, young and old.

Cast in the central role of banker George Bailey is Eugene Godwin, with Janet Po playing his wife, Mary. Steve Borowko takes the comic role of Clarence the Angel, who’s trying to earn his wings by changing a life on Earth for the better.

Gary Falacara will enact the Barrymore role of the conniving Mr. Potter, with Russ Reck as the tippling Uncle Billy. Emma Seely will be seen as cute little Zuzu, youngest of the four Bailey children.

Others in the production are Tara Meyers, JJ Stephens, Elizabeth Wallner, Donna Mead, Elizabeth Falacara, Ron Hahn, Tom Spry, Carlie Monnier, Yu Chien Liao, Margarita Montoya, Scott Miller, Shalene Moss, Jennifer Taing, Ron Hahn, Mackenzie Gaddis, Carlie Trainer, Zach Tayfoya and Randy English.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” will open a week from today at the Fine Arts Center, 538 Main St., Huntington Beach, with subsequent performances Dec. 1, 2 and 3. Evening curtains are 8 p.m., with a Saturday matinee scheduled for 1 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and $13 on presale or $17 and $15 at the door. Further information may be obtained by calling (949) 633-1580.