‘It’s a Wonderful Laugh’
on the Hertz Stage at the Allliance Theatre
Matt Horgan, Karen Cassady, Daniel Triandiflou, and Jackie Barbour; Photo: Greg Mooney
Although I couldn’t say it’s wonderful, there are quite a few laughs in the Dad’s Garage Theatre Company parody of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The audience chooses a new “invader” (played by a different Dad’s Garage improviser each performance) to infiltrate the world of Bedford Falls. Friday night Peter Pan (Lucky Yates) showed up, so the play took place in Neverland Falls.
As George Bailey, Dan Triandiflou brings back touches of Jimmy Stewart’s speech and mannerisms as the would-be-explorer goes through similar but more contemporary life situations than those in the original movie. The angel, Clarence (Karen Cassady), is literally cursed at by God–lots of gratuitous cursing– and descends upon earth to save Bailey from suicide after the business owner discovers his company is in ruins and, thanks to a life insurance policy, he is worth more dead than alive.
The acting skills of Cassady and Triandiflou are the best treats of the show. Although there are quite a few funny moments, neither the script nor the improv is wonderful.
Written and directed by Kevin Gillese, “It’s a Wonderful Life” runs through Dec. 20 on the Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre.
Jackie Barbour . . . . . . . . . . . Violet
Karen Cassady . . . . . . . . . . . Clarence
Perry Frost . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary
Matt Horgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . Old Man Potter/Uncle Billy/God
Ed Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry
Matthew Hobbs . . . . . . . . . . . .Keyboard/Piano
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