Harvest Christian Academy to stage 'It's a Wonderful Life'

The Harvest Christian Academy Theater Arts Department ushers family and friends into the Christmas season with its production of the iconic American classic "It's a Wonderful Life."

Performances take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, and 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in the Chapel at Harvest Christian Academy, 1000 N. Randall Road in Elgin.

Tickets may be purchased for $10 at HarvestChristianAcademy.org/life or $12 at the door.

Set in the 1940s, the story follows the life of George Bailey, played by senior Andrew Depledge. George grows up with big dreams to explore the world outside of his little town of Bedford Falls. However, due to his father's untimely death, George's life is railroaded into staying in his small town and struggling to keep his father's company out of the hands of a competing, hardhearted businessman, Mr. Potter, played by junior Sam Jenkins.

But George is at his wits' end when his relative, played by freshman Alexa Pupich, misplaces funds necessary to keep the company running, and it appears surrender to Potter is inevitable. In desperation, George contemplates suicide when, thanks to prayers from family and friends, he is met by Clarence, a second-string angel who has yet to earn his wings, played by sophomore Ben Laird.

Immediately the scenery changes as Clarence walks George through what life would look like in Bedford Falls if he had never been born. What if he'd never had the chance to marry his precious wife, Mary, played by senior Emma Green, or be a dad to their four children? He also sees how dire and depressing the town is, now run by Mr. Potter.

Clarence continues to show George how his life has impacted so many people and how the world around him would be a very different place if he were not in it.

Depledge has particularly enjoyed his role as George Bailey,

"In comparison to plays I've done in the past, this story is far more moving to audience members," he said. "The original movie is considered one of the greatest stories ever told, and I believe anyone can experience a powerful connection with the characters and their struggles."

Senior Carista Richie, who portrays Violet Bick, agrees. "I've enjoyed helping tell such an impactful and beloved story," she said. "It's been a joy seeing how all the cast members contribute a significant part to each scene, through all the ups and downs of the story."

Codirected by movie producer Dallas Jenkins and HCA's Theater Arts Department director, Sara Yun, this play has also been supported by production manager, Liz Camp, and many volunteering parents who give of their time and energy to make the show a huge success.

While enjoying working with all the HCA students, Yun and Jenkins have had the particular joy of directing their own students as well. Jenkins's son, Sam, who plays Mr. Potter, has embraced his complex role.

"It's been challenging as a teenager to find the voice for an angry old man," Sam said, "but playing the villain is always a lot of fun."

Green, who plays Mary Bailey, agrees on the challenge of having a significant role,

"It's pushed me a lot as an actress," she says, "Donna Reed has left some pretty big shoes to fill, but I've been working hard to do the role justice."

"I have loved this story all of my life," Yun said. "I enjoy working with our students and teaching them that there is joy in acting and when pushed, they discover in themselves how much more they can do."