ABOVE: American Stage’s “Wonderful Life.” Photo via American Stage.
ST. PETERSBURG | American Stage has announced “Wonderful Life,” a one-man, pop-up holiday show starring Matthew McGee across four regional venues Dec. 15-24.
The theatre company shared the news Nov. 28, calling it “a bona fide surprise.” The play was co-adapted from the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” by American Stage Producing Artistic Director Helen Murray and Jason Lott.
“With no show running in December at American Stage, we thought it a perfect opportunity to bring some holiday cheer,” Murray said in a statement. “It also gives our audiences a glimpse of my artistry as I co-wrote the piece and will also be directing.”
McGee will star as George Bailey, the tale’s protagonist, in addition to bringing every other character to life. The celebrated performer led his first one-man show earlier this year with freeFall Theatre’s “I Love to Eat” and is the playwright behind their holiday show “The Night Before,” currently on stage through Dec. 24.
“I love the opportunity for people to come together during the holidays,” McGee said. “Especially those that may not agree or come from very different walks of life. I always tend to be busy during the holidays… like Mariah Carey.”
“Wonderful Life” will make its Florida debut at Coastal Creative Dec. 15 and move to Studio @620 Dec. 16. The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art will feature shows Dec. 17-18 before it moves to Gulfport’s Catherine A. Hickman Theater Dec. 22-24.
“‘Wonderful Life’ is a heartwarming 75-minute one-person retelling of the classic holiday story,” it’s officially described. “George Bailey’s struggle to grasp why life is worth living finds a fresh voice in this imaginative one-person retelling of Frank Capra’s classic film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’
“Join the residents of Bedford Falls, New York on a fateful Christmas Eve in 1945 when angels, alternate realities and miracles change the way we see our place in the world,” its synopsis continues. “‘Wonderful Life’ is a heartwarming story about the effect one man’s sacrifices have on the people and town he loves.”
American Stage also describes the production – which premiered in Virginia and has been featured in D.C., Seattle, Los Angeles and more – as “a stripped-down, raw and emotional” version of the film. It previously won the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical.
“I love this story because while it happens during Christmas, it’s not necessarily a show about Christmas,” Murray explained. “It is about a man who sacrifices his own wants and needs for so long that he actually doubts his own place in this world. I hope audiences walk away from the show feeling thankful for their community and are reminded of their incredible worth.”
“Everyone from Scrooge to George Bailey deserves a second chance and they ultimately get that with the help of a little Christmas magic,” McGee added. Read more below.
American Stage also announced that the production’s opening night on Dec. 15 will welcome drag performers are no cost.
“Opening night will double as our PRIDE night, and anyone who comes in drag will be welcomed with a free ticket,” they shared. “Hope to see all our favorite queens there!”
Read more below.
American Stage’s “Wonderful Life” plays Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Coastal Creative; Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. at Studio @620; Dec. 17 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 24 at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Cathering A. Hickman Theater. Tickets are $35. For more information about each venue and to purchase yours, visit AmericanStage.org.
