The world seems off-axis these days, and Christopher Willard, who has been producing shows for 30 years, has an antidote. Willard will be performing Wonderful Life, a reimagined, one-person theatrical version of the classic holiday film Nov. 24 to Dec. 26 at Main Stage Creative Community Center in Eureka Springs.
“We need a little George Bailey in our lives to remind us of the important things to keep us centered — friends, family — and the power of simple acts that, in totality, extend beyond a life,” Willard said. “The goal is to grow appreciation for the community and remind each of us of our decency and worth as human beings.”
The show is a Christmas standard featuring Bailey and the residents of Bedford Falls on a fateful Christmas Eve in 1945 when angels, alternate realities and miracles change the way the residents see their place in the world. “It is a perfect complement to your family holiday,” Willard said.
Willard spent the past 20 years spent in the Denver area working for arts organizations and running his own company in the mountains. Performing is what got him interested in theater. And though he prefers to be on the other side of the footlights, there are some roles too good to pass up – like this one.
“I started freelancing in 2018 and moved to Missouri to help my family during the pandemic. I’m still here,” Willard said. “A few months ago, I decided I ought to get back to doing what I love, so I started Lakefront Arts. Main Stage has been so gracious welcoming me to their venue. This is the second production we’ve co-presented in as many months. I hope there’ll be more.”
He has several acting, directing and producing awards from his career in Denver, but that’s never the reason to do the work. For him, it’s always about creating new challenges and bringing high quality experiences to audiences.
Willard said the authors of the adaptation, Helen R. Murray and Jason Lott, have lovngly crafted a stage version of the classic Frank Capra film that’s inspiring, funny, poignant, and uplifting. The Washington Post called this new adaptation “a warm-and-fuzzy vision of trust and neighborliness in small town America.” DC Metro Theater Arts hailed the play as “a sensational, moving masterpiece.” The script was nominated for a prestigious Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical.
The complete show schedule is Nov. 24, 25, Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 25, Dec. 10, 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for those ages 6-18. All seating is general admission. Runtime is 75 minutes, without intermission.
To make a reservation, order online at ReserveEureka.com/attractions/wonderfullife or purchase tickets at the door. Box office opens one hour before scheduled showtime. For more information, call Lakefront Arts at (417) 896-0978.