14 UCW NOVEMBER 21-27, 2018
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
Gilbert eater's "It's a Wonderful Life," opening
this weekend, centers on the themes of family and
gratitude. Of all the Christmas classics, Gilbert chose
to perform "It's a Wonderful Life" this year because
of its sobering values.
Gilbert eater Artistic Director Matthew Overturf,
who has played a part in the production for four
years, said, "It has become a staple in the Fayetteville
community. It still speaks here in 2018 about the 'ev-
eryman' and what in our life we can appreciate and
what in our life makes us good people. We all need to
see … that we truly have a lot to be grateful for, and
our lives impact a lot of other people."
According to Miles Snow, who will portray George
Bailey, the show's most critical theme is "the im-
portance of family – being appreciative of what you
already have. is is a guy who at the beginning of the
show is in a suicidal state; he has to take a moment to
reflect and (realize) 'I have a wife and kids I love and
a job in a town where people respect me, and that's a
lot – that's more than enough.'" Snow looks forward to
presenting the paradigm shift in Bailey's life.
Director Ja'Maul Johnson welcomes the chal-
lenge of portraying a beloved classic in a new way.
"I have been a part of this production since we
started doing it at the Gilbert," he said. "ere will
be a couple of twists and turns to reinvent it … but
keep it the same story."
Snow hopes to reimagine the show while still
respecting its original narrative. He commented,
"People bring their own expectations to it, and that's
already a part of the show in a sense, and you want
to honor the piece."
Staci Graybill, who will act as Mary Bailey, com-
mented on the challenge of playing Mrs. Bailey for a
second time: "A real challenge for me is going to be
playing all the different ages that they go through."
Snow, who has played Mr. Bailey several times,
said, "I just want to see if we can collectively take it
along, take it further."
Johnson, in agreement, is excited to see the growth
within the individual cast members this year. "Each
year, someone brings something new – I want to see
what this collection will bring to it," he said.
Graybill said, "It's so easy to get lost in all the
hardships in life, but if you stop and look around
and see all the loving people in your life, I think
that's a good reminder."
Johnson added that he desires to take that mes-
sage "throughout the year, not just in Christmas-
time."
"It's a Wonderful Life" runs Nov. 23-Dec. 16, with
student matinees on the Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 at 10
a.m. at the Gilbert eater, 116 Green St. To purchase
tickets, visit www.gilberttheater.com or call 910-678-
7186 for more information.
Gilbert Theater presents 'It's a Wonderful Life'
by AVERY POWERS
EVENTS
AVERY POWERS, Contributing
Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upand-
comingweekly.com 910-484-6200.
Gilbert eater celebrates the Christmas season with
the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" Nov. 23-Dec. 16.