The beloved Christmas classic 'It's A Wonderful Life' is more than just holiday entertainment. It's an inspiring tale of one man's life and the lives he touches in his little town. The Rush County Players are presenting this classic tale Thurs. Nov. 17, Fri. Nov. 18, and Sat. Nov. 19 at 7:30 PM, and a matinee on Sat. Nov. 19 at 2:30 PM, all at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 426 N. Morgan St., Rushville, IN.
Director Matt Amos, Asst. Director Cindy Amos, and Producer Shelli Griffin have put together a wonderful cast for this uplifting tale. Greg Simpson, an RCP veteran, makes his return to the stage as Mr. Potter, the richest man in town, bent on taking over everything he can, and destroying that which cannot. His nemesis is the young George Bailey, played by Greg’s younger brother, Shawn Simpson, also marking a return. George’s family includes his mother, Mother Bailey, played by Betsy Fox, his younger brother Harry Bailey, portrayed by Kyle Huntsman, and Uncle Billy and Aunt Tilly, played by RCP favorites Dan and Sharon Scholl.
Two young ladies in Bedford Falls vie for George’s affections. These are Violet, played by newcomer Haley Briner, and Mary Hatch, as portrayed by Jessica Miller. Mr. Gower, George’s employer as a youth, and friend as an adult, is Sam Davenport, and his best friends include Todd Howard (another returnee to the RCP stage) as Sam Wainwright, Randy Bason as Bert, and Wylie Coons as Ernie.
The cast is rounded out by Alesha Smith as Miss Carter, the bank examiner, Christina Rankin in dual roles as Mrs. Hatch and Miss Andrews, Bonnie Miller also in dual roles as Mr. Potter’s secretary and Mrs. Thompson, and keeping a watchful eye over all, and George in particular, is Michael Best as Clarence, George’s guardian angel.
For this outing the Production Team has decided it is very in keeping with the theme of this show to assist several charities in the county. Each performance will be dedicated to an individual philanthropic effort. For Thursday’s performance, 10% of ticket sales will be donated to the Rush County Toys for Tots campaign, Fridays’ show will benefit in equal measure ARC of Rush County, Saturday’s matinee will give 10% of tickets to the Rush County Food Pantry, and 10% of Saturday evenings box office will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Rush County.
Tickets are currently available by calling 765-938-1711 and leaving a message for a reservation, or by contacting any cast member. Adult tickets are $10, and students K-12 are $5. Children small enough to be held on your lap are no charge. Seating will be at a premium in this smaller venue, so reserve your seats soon!
As Clarence reminds George, “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” You can watch it on TV over and over again, but nothing can beat seeing “It’s a Wonderful Life” live. Let Rush County Players touch your life this holiday season. And listen for the bells to ring!
