Lansing’s neighbor prepares the holiday classic for a November 19 Opening Day
information provided by Big Splash Public Relations
Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home—The Center for Visual and Performing Arts—in Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown-caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.
Based on the classic Frank Capra film starring James Stewart as George Bailey, A Wonderful Life: The Musical—with book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Joe Raposo—tells the story of how Clarence, George Bailey’s guardian angel, shows George how different the world would be if he had never been born. Filled with the beauty of the season, Bedford Falls bursts on stage with yuletide spirit for a musical that applauds the true meaning of Christmas.
“All the charm, heart, and humanity of the film are brought to the stage in this musical adaptation,” said Artistic Director Linda Fortunato. “The show is perfect for a holiday celebration with the whole family.”
Cast credits
David Sajewich was previously seen at TATC in All Shook Up and Beverly Hillbillies. Other credits include Les Miserables at Drury Lane Oakbrook, The Pajama Game and The Baker’s Wife at The Music Theatre Company, and Fiddler on the Roof at Paramount Theatre.
Allison Sill was last seen at TATC in All Shook Up. Previous credits include Honeymoon in Vegas, She Loves Me, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Marriott Theatre, Oklahoma at Paramount Theatre, and The Producers at Mercury Theater Chicago.
James Harms, who plays Mr. Potter, previously appeared at TATC in Beverly Hillbillies. Harms received Jeff Awards for his performances in The Fantasticks, Hello, Dolly, Me and My Girls, and La Cage aux Folles. Last year he made his debut at Carnegie Hall in concert with Chita Rivera.
David Perkovich, last seen at TATC in Man of La Mancha and Phantom, plays Clarence. Perkovich has performed in more than 120 shows, including the national tour of Evita. He has directed more than 60 productions, including TATC’s The 39 Steps, Spamalot, Beverly Hillbillies, and Grease.
Jim Heatherly is making his TATC debut as Uncle Billy. Heatherly’s recent work includes the world premiere of Dance For Beginners at Piven Theatre Workshop and Light Up the Sky at Citadel Theatre.
Jason Richard—playing multiple roles as Mr. Martini, Hepner, and Campbell—was previously seen at TATC in Big River: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Other credits include The Producers at Mercury Theater Chicago and Shrek at Chicago Shakespeare. Richard also received a Jeff Award for his performance as Nicky/Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q at Night Blue Theater.
Also joining the ensemble cast are Caron Buinis, Lexis Danca, Christopher David, Ann Delaney, Andres Enriquez, Neil Friedman, Daniel Hurst, Kayla Kennedy, Henry McGinniss, James Nedrud, Mary Nigohosian, Casiena Raether, Rick Rapp, and Denzel Tsopnang. Child performers include Alina Aquino, Lilliana Rene, Julian Solis, and Kylie Sullivan.
Direction, production, and more
William Pullinsi is director of A Wonderful Life: The Musical. Pullinsi served as TATC’s Artistic Director for 10 seasons prior to becoming Artistic Director Emeritus in 2015 when he was named “Chicagoan of the Year in Theatre” by the Chicago Tribune. In 2016, The League of Chicago Theatres also presented Pullinsi with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions influencing and inspiring the Chicago theatre community. Pullinsi has won 19 Jeff Awards for Best Production and/or Best Direction and produced and directed more than 400 productions of Broadway plays and musicals.
Bill Underwood serves as Music Director, and Gordon Schmidt is choreographer. Linda Fortunato is TATC’s Artistic Director, Richard Friedman is General Manager, and Ann Davis is Head of Production. Scenic Designers are Jackie & Richard Penrod. Lighting Design is by Denise Karczewski, Costume Design by Brenda Winstead, Wig Design by Kevin Barthel, Prop Design by Brittney O”Keefe, and Sound Design by Barry Funderburg. Stage Manager is Angela Adams.
Ticket information
Performances are 2:00pm Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30pm Fridays; 3:00pm and 7:30pm on Saturdays; 2:30pm on Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings. Individual ticket prices range from $40 – $44.
To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more, and gift certificates are also available.
Theatre at the Center is located within The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.
