Play lives up to "wonderful" reputation

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA -- Valley Performing Arts pulled its best performance of the season out, just in time for the holidays. From casting, costumes, music and set design, the current production of It's A Wonderful Life is a visually and artistically satisfying Christmas treat.

Based on the classic 1946 Christmas movie, originally starring Jimmy Stewart, the play is full of memorable characters.

Kevin Cochran plays Clarence Odbody, a bumbling angle, struggling to win his wings by convincing George Bailey, played by Warren Foster, that he should abandon his suicide plans and return to a life that is truly 'wonderful.'

Cochran captures the essence of a little, homely angel with his oversized robe, shuffling gate and pleading personality. He needs Cochran to see the light if he's ever going to get his wings.

For his part, Foster negotiates his multifaceted role as George Bailey fairly well, growing only stronger as the play progressed. George Bailey, runs through the full gamut of emotions, from utter despair to absolute rejoicing. Throughout the scenes, Foster brings both energy and believability to this character.

The casting for this play fit most actors into roles they were perfectly suited to play.

Patty Taylor was a humorous and maternal version of Mother Bailey. Other notable characters included Ted Carney's scatterbrained portrayal of Uncle Billy and Jim Oliver's embittered rendition of the town Scrooge, Mr. Potter. Child actor, David Kennedy, also performed well, though briefly, as both Young Bailey and Bailey's son.

While the all-around-acting for this performance was the strongest of the year, the set design, lighting and sound also demonstrated an impressive attention to detail.

The sets convey a 1940's ambiance, complete with muted colors which people have come to expect from television and movie productions of that time. Music also seguways many of the scene changes, creating a an almost cinematographic transitions.

For Valley residents looking for quality live entertainment during the holidays, VPA's current production is worth checking out.

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