Newton Community Theatre to host ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

It’s a story almost as familiar as the Christmas story — “It’s a Wonderful Life” — and the Newton Community Theatre will host the stage adaptation.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is written by James W. Rodgers and based on the film by Frank Capra. It will be directed by Sue Buekema and Pam Ratliff.

Performances dates are scheduled Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 8-10.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is an American story almost as familiar as Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

The story is the saga of George Bailey, the everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls.

Bailey dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. His guardian angel has to descent on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him — by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born — that his has been, after all, a wonderful life.

This faithful adaptation has favorite characters George and Mary Hatch, Clarence, Uncle Billy, Violet and, of course, the Scrooge-like villain, Mr. Potter.

This fine dramatization not only celebrates the faith of the season, it also celebrates the American philosophy of life: hard work, fair play and the love and support of one’s family and community will be rewarded.

Tickets are now on sale. They are $12 for adults and $10 for youth.

For more information or reservations, call the theatre box office at 641-792-1230 or visit www.newtontheatre.com.

The box office is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as one hour before each performance.