Wonderful gift
By John Berger
from DHT
Special to the Star-Bulletin
A Wonderful Life: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 20, Diamond Head Theatre. Tickets: $10-$40. Call 734-0274.DIAMOND Head Theatre introduced "A Wonderful Life" as its annual Christmas show last year after seven years of success with Frank DeLima in "Scrooge."
The Sheldon Harnick/Joe Raposo musical version of the 1946 Jimmy Stewart movie was -- and is -- a radical change from the perennially popular DeLima show. The story gets quite grim. The songs aren't the type that people go home singing.
The "only in the movies" ending would have greater moral impact if the villain was clearly shown to have paid a price for the dastardly act that causes George Bailey to attempt suicide.
Oh well. With all but one of last year's major players reprising their roles, DHT director/choreographer John Rampage has a strong and talented cast, an interesting set and a tight show. The end result is compelling entertainment. This too could become a beloved DHT tradition.
Randy Hubbard again suffers nobly as highly principled George Bailey. George drifted through life putting the welfare and wishes of others ahead of his own happiness only to find himself framed for bank fraud, facing prison and contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve.
Hubbard does a fine job throughout. A chilling song titled "Precious Little" again shows his credentials as an accomplished actor and vocalist.
Bruce Hale (Clarence) and Wil T.K. Kahele (Joseph) are the angels who review key moments in George's life. Can Clarence win promotion to Angel 1st Class, and wings, by convincing George that his sacrifices have made the world a better place than it would have been otherwise?
Hale deserved a Po'okela Award for his performance last year; he returns even better this year.
Dan Furst (Henry Potter) again does great work as the villainous representative of pragmatic American capitalism. His two scenes with Hubbard in Act II are stark and nasty. The physicallity of Furst's performance in his big musical spot, "First Class All the Way," makes it a highlight number.
Kevin W. Yamada adds a good voice and appropriately brash attitude as upwardly mobile Sam Wainwright. David Starr reprises his winning portrayal of George's alcoholic Uncle Billy.
The one significant change in the cast is Stephanie Curtis Conching as Mary Hatch Bailey. What a find! Conching instantly makes the role her own. She and Hubbard make a perfect couple visually and vocally. Their duets are charming and heartwarming. Her solo, "I Couldn't Be With Anyone But You" could hardly be sung with more romantic feeling.
Hubbard tugs at the heartstrings. Hale deftly tickles the funny bone. Kahele is dignity with a sense of humor, and Furst is a perfect two-dimensional villain.
And, yes, there is a happy ending. George beats the rap with the help of all the people he's helped over the years, and loud applause greets Hale's final appearance.
