Traditional holiday entertainment runs the gamut from Radio City?s high-kicking Rockettes, to carolers wassailing by candlelight. And as tradition would have it for many of us, right up there at the top of our “stay-at-home, pop some corn and feel good” list, is the seasonal favorite, Frank Capra?s beloved film, “It?s a Wonderful Life.”
At Toby?s Baltimore Dinner Theatre, cast and crew take the film?s warm message of redemption and the love of family and friends to the next level with, “It?s a Wonderful Life ? The Musical.” Based on Capra?s film, Toby?s live spectacle captures every bit of the movie?s delicious plot line and beloved characters, while embellishing both with musical numbers and orchestra.
George Bailey, the story?s everyman, is convinced one snowy Christmas Eve that his life has been a failure. Given the gift of an angel trying to earn his wings and the insight to see what life would be had he never been born, George comes to appreciate the gift of a wonderful life well-lived.
“I honestly think this is iconic entertainment,” said Daniel McDonald, Toby?s marketing director and an actor. “If you look, and truly listen to what the story is saying, it can really change a life.”
In true dinner theater fashion, the actors are on hand before the show to serve up ? what else? ? a turkey dinner. Diners can also feast on a buffet that includes steamship round of beef, Virginia baked ham and steamed shrimp.
“The holiday draws people, but so does our turkey spread,” noted Tere Fulmer, Toby?s group box office manager. “We packed the house on opening day.
Toby Orenstein?s celebrated Baltimore theater (the original being in Columbia), is one of the few regional dinner theaters that maintains a live orchestra. Interactive audience-actor experiences are assured in a house where no table is more than 30 feet from the stage.
All the better to get up close and personal with the steadfast George Bailey, his devoted wife, Mary, the kids, the bank examiner, Uncle Billy and, of course, Clarence the angel.
Matthew Schliegh, who portrays George, welcomes the opportunity to move the audience.
“We need more George Baileys in this world,” he said. “The power of faith and hope, however expressed, is paramount towards achieving true peace in ourselves and for each other.”
IF YOU GO
“It?s a Wonderful Life” ? The Musical
» Venue: Toby?s Baltimore Dinner Theatre, Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, 5625 O?Donnell St., Baltimore
» When: Through Jan. 14
» More info: Call the ticket office at 410-649-1660 for show times, ticket prices and group sales
