“Two of the lucky ones”
By Jim Woodard
As Christmas 1992 approached, Indiana Players, our community theater, presented A Wonderful Life, a musical by Pulitzer prize winning (Fiddler On the Roof) lyrist and songwriter Sheldon Harnick and composer Joe Raposo. Based on the holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” it retold the tragedy to triumph story of George Bailey that took place in his fictional hometown of Bedford Falls. Whether you love it or have tired of it, realize that in Indiana PA, that’s a pretty big deal, for it’s the hometown of actor Jimmy Stewart who starred in the film.
A print of the original movie poster given to us by daughter Tara
Auditions were held and my daughter Julie was cast in the role of Zuzu, the youngest of the Bailey family. Daughter Tara was cast as Dorothy, wife of Sam Wainright and I was selected for the role of Tom Bailey, George’s father. They had to spray my hair gray. That would no longer be necessary.
We were thrilled (and a bit nervous) when we learned the Mr. Harnick would be coming in from NYC for opening night. Everything came off without a hitch and Sheldon was very complimentary of the production. What a great, should I say, “Wonderful” night.
Later during the musical’s scheduled run, a snowstorm hit the area, preventing the gal who played my wife, the senior Mrs. Bailey, from making it into town. What now? Of course “the show must go on!”
Jan, who had coached me through my lines and attended numerous rehearsals stepped forward. She never missed a line, but was contented and relieved to not have a singing part. That night, four members of our family were in the production!
To complete the back story and tie in Jan’s book dedication – I had a solo number in A Wonderful Life, and it’s title? “One of the Lucky Ones.” Yes, my love, we remain “two of the lucky ones.”