By Astro Johnson, Drewe Griffin, Lucas Clarke, and Cali Closs - CHS Drama Club
The Camden High School Drama Club is proud to present the beloved holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life! This heartwarming story, originally produced by Frank Capra and based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s 1943 short story The Greatest Gift, has become a timeless favorite. The film was first adapted for the stage as a musical at the University of Michigan in 1986, and now Camden’s talented cast is bringing Bedford Falls to life for our community.
Join us in the Camden High School Auditorium on Friday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, so bring the whole family to kick off the holiday season!
Our story centers on George Bailey (Gage Grinnell), a man whose generosity and kindness keep the spirit of Bedford Falls alive. Mary Hatch (Natalie Hotaling) is George’s devoted and resourceful sweetheart, while her mother, Mrs. Hatch (Reagan Arnold), has her own opinions about who Mary should marry—particularly favoring the ambitious businessman Sam Wainwright (Adam Orsino). Violet Peterson (Brooklyn Waterman), another childhood friend of George’s, brings her own charm to the story.
We also meet the people who make up George’s close-knit world: Mr. Gower (Peyton Shivers), who gives young George (Colton Grinnell) his first job; Mother Bailey (Mikinzie Collins) and Harry Bailey (Zeke Henderson), who encourage George’s dreams; and the Bailey children—Pete (Tres Fuentes), Tommy (Colton Grinnell), Zuzu (Nevada Marshall), and Janie (Cali Closs). Aunt Tilly (Tessa Fall) and Uncle Billy (Nick Lawler) provide plenty of humor, even as they manage the Bailey Building and Loan—constantly challenged by the story’s antagonist, Henry F. Potter (Jacob LeBreux), his Goon (Elijah Trautner), and his Secretary (Lillian Britton).
As George’s guardian angel Clarence Odbody (Garret Rocker) steps in to show him what Bedford Falls would be like without him, we see the stark contrast between a world filled with kindness and one ruled by greed. In “Pottersville,” friends like Ernie (Astro Johnson), Bert (Conrad Henderson), and the Martinis (Kevin Thomas and Annabelle Segur) are changed by hardship, showing just how much one person’s goodness can mean to an entire town. Pottersville brings out the worst of many characters, which is reflected in the demoralization of the townspeople (Hadley-Rose Pickett, Dahlilah VanSlyke, Lillian Britton, Drewe Griffin, Natalya Farr, Emily Conover, Kayleigh Harrington, Isabelle Fuller, Annabelle Segur, Willow Kratz, Justin Melnick, Kevin Thomas, Brayden Bartley, Madeline Segur, Annabelle Segur, Cali Closs, Tres Fuentes, Nevada Marshall)
Behind the scenes, countless students and staff have worked tirelessly to bring this production to life. Director Stephanie Heath and producer/choreographer Amanda Hughes lead the effort, supported by the dedicated Tech Crew—headed by Gianni Liberatore, Bella Keller and Ella Winters, with Anzleigh Johnson, Karl Hood, and Jude Posello as understudies. Stage Crew, led by Mikinzie Collins, includes Drewe Griffin, Nevada Marshall, Gage Grinnell, Astro Johnson, Justin Melnick, Jacob LeBreux, Eli Trautner, Tres Fuentes, Jude Posello, Abby Miller, and Emily Vanderworken. Abby Miller also serves as Set Artist Lead.
Our Costume Crew Leaders, Tessa Fall and Reagan Arnold, have ensured every character looks the part, while the Media Advertisement Team, led by Evelyn Hotaling, has kept the community informed. Rounding out the leadership are Student Director Natalie Hotaling, Producer’s Assistant Evelyn Hotaling, and Director’s Assistant Astro Johnson.
Come celebrate the holiday season with Camden High School’s Drama Club as they share the timeless message that “no one is a failure who has friends.”
Showtimes:
Friday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Camden High School Auditorium
Admission: Free!