A lasso forms a heart shape around a full moon above the text: “It’s A Wonderful Life, December 13–19” on a starry night sky background.

It’s a Wonderful Life

December 13-19, Lyell B. Clay Concert Hall

It’s a Wonderful Life is the stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s beloved film that’s become a staple in American culture and holiday tradition. This is the timeless story of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligations and civic duty. On Christmas Eve, when George finds himself in the depths of despair, his guardian angel Clarence descends to show him what the world would look like had he never been born—revealing that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. This faithful on-stage dramatization features all of the familiar characters—George, Mary, Harry, Uncle Billy, Violet, and the miserly Mr. Potter—and celebrates both the spirit of the season and the enduring values of hard work, generosity, the power of community and the countless lives we touch along the way.

The Creative Team

Director – Jerry McGonigle

Jerry McGonigle (Director) is Artistic Director of West Virginia Public Theatre. Jerry came to WVU in 1990 from Orange County, CA, where he designed, founded and ran the Professional Actors Conservatory at Rancho Santiago College. Jerry has both acted and directed nationally and internationally at such theatres as E.T.A. Hoffman Theatre, 100 Monkeys Productions, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Pac Theatre Co., Missouri Repertory Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre, and the Missouri Shakespeare Festival. He holds a BA from the University of Dallas and an MFA in Acting from The American Conservatory Theatre of San Francisco.

R.J. Nestor – Music Director & Composer

R.J. Nestor (Composer, Music Director) is a musician, writer, and productivity consultant. His first WVPT gig was in 2006, and he’s thrilled to be back for the umpteenth time. With collaborator David Scoville, he has co-written three original musicals, including the WV history musical Golden Horseshoe. He is the author of The Rhythms of Productivity and the upcoming book Solve for Now. Music Directing credits include Carousel, Cabaret, My Fair Lady, West Side Story, and well over a hundred others. Love to Elisha, Daisy, Wes, A.J., and family.

James Raymond – Scenic Designer

James Raymond has worked in theatre and live events for over 20 years. His recent work includes designing Tuck Everlasting at Shenandoah University with Michael Park and Shannon Lewis and supporting the DC premier of Wicked: Part One at the British Embassy through his role with Design Foundry. He contributed to the Broadway production of the Tony Award-winning A Strange Loop and has collaborated with esteemed artists, including Bob Phillips, Dede Ayite, and Timothy Reed. He is the founder of JVRaymondStudio, LLC. www.jamesvraymond.com @jvraymondstudiollc

Mary McClung – Costume Designer

Mary McClung has designed costumes, puppets, and sets for theatre, dance, video, and television for over 20 years. Professor McClung currently works as Head of the Costume Design and Technology Program. She is the author and illustrator of Foam Patterning and Construction Techniques: Turning 2D Designs in to 3D Shapes and Mask Making Techniques: Creating 3-D Characters from 2-D Designs for Theatre, Cosplay, Film, and TV.

Alan McEwen – Lighting Designer

Alan McEwen is currently the Clinical Professor of Lighting and Sound Design at West Virginia University’s School of Theatre and Dance. Alan has designed numerous productions for WVU as well as Whitman College. Other workplaces include Idaho Repertory theatre, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Mountain State Repertory, and other companies in various capacities.  Alan earned his MFA in Lighting from the University of Oregon. Recent designs include Sherlock: The Final Adventure and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time with WVPT, and The Skriker with WVU.

Elise Lein – Sound Designer

Elise Lein is excited to be back with WVPT this Christmas after having such a great time designing Clue: On Stage and Steel Magnolias. She is even more excited to be debuting her mixing skills for the WVPT audience. You may have also heard her work on WVU’s Ride the Cyclone, Cinderella, or Into the Woods. She would like to thank her boyfriend, Luke Belcher, and her glue eating cat, Colonel Fitzwilliam, for putting up with blaring noises all the live long day. Remember to keep those ears tuned!

Kate Brittingham – Props Designerr

Kate Brittingham is the Scene Shop Manager for the School of Theatre and Dance. She was the staff Properties Master at Signature Theatre (Arlington), Olney Theatre Center, Chautauqua Opera, Theatre Baton Rouge, Swine Palace, and Greenbrier Valley Theatre. Favorite prop productions include Blackbeard: the Musical (Signature Theatre); In the Heights (Olney: 2017 Helen Hayes Award Best Production); and The 39 Steps (Greenbrier). Kate holds an MFA in Stage Properties Technology and Design from LSU and a Bachelor of Arts from California University of Pennsylvania. She is grateful to be back in West Virginia, creating theatre with a fine production and creative team.

Emily Stafford – Production Stage Manager

It’s A Wonderful Life

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George Bailey – Alex Olson

Hello, Bedford Falls!!! Born in Virginia, raised on ASL, I have been blessed to work in the performing arts professionally for 15 years. Recent Theatre Credits include: Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) with American Players Theatre & Billy (Tribes) with American Players Theatre & Actors Theatre of Louisville, Clown 2 (The 39 Steps) & more. TV: Mark Madoff (Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street) Streaming on Netflix. All the love in the world to my dear parents, my family, friends, my beautiful Sarah, & to you all! 🤟

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Clarence – Lee Blair

Lee Blair (Clarence) – WVPT: It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Fantasticks, NYC: Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, fringenyc. Regional: Emelin Theatre, Alhambra Theatre, Hippodrome State Theatre, Greenbrier Valley Theatre. TV/Film: Time Travelers’ Graveyard (Sneaky Ghosts Films), The Bad Guardian (Lifetime), A League of Their Own (Amazon Prime) Director for WVPT: I Do, I Do!, The 39 Steps, A Christmas Carol – Radio Play, Peter and The Starcatcher, Young Frankenstein. WVU: Assoc. Professor of Acting & Musical Theatre, Director for Luna Gale, Rimers of Eldritch, Cinderella among others. AEA. SAG-AFTRA, SDC (Associate).

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Mary Hatch – Acacia Daken

Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Acacia has an MA in Acting and an MFA in Voice Studies from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Her screen credits include Francine Watson in the ABC drama Itch, and the lead role in the upcoming feature film Lies Within Us. Her stage credits include Laura in Black Swan State Theatre Company’s The Glass Menagerie; Nina in Stupid F*cking Bird, Beatrice in The Changeling and Procne in The Love of the Nightingale. Acacia is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice at WVU. 

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Mr. Potter & others – Michael Rohlf

Michael Rohlf (Mr. Potter) is happy to be back at WVPT after last being seen as “Joe” during the summer of 2025 in the WV premiere production of WAITRESS.  Past roles include Ebenezer Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, The Blind Hermit in YOUNG FRANKINSTEIN, John Adams in 1776 among others.  His most prized role is being Dad and “Grumpy” to his Children and Grandchildren.  Love you all.

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Mrs. Bailey & others – Cathy O’Dell

Cathy O’Dell has acted professionally at the American Contemporary Theater Festival, West Virginia Public Theatre, and The Las Vegas Little Theatre. She has appeared in national commercials, training films, and industrials. Cathy portrays Helen Vicks on season four of the HBO series, Banshee. Other television shows include Night Visitors and Outsiders. She has also appeared in Richard Linklater’s film Last Flag Flying and was invited by Mr. Linklater to be an acting rehearsal partner for Cate Blanchett and Kristen Wiig for the film Where’d You Go Bernadette. Other films include Back Fork, Edgar Alan Poe’s Requiem for the Damned, and 1863.

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Peter Bailey / Mr. Martini – Joe Oliveri

Joe Olivieri is a UCLA Emeritus Professor of Theater, where he was Head of the Undergraduate Acting program for 25 years.  Before joining the faculty at UCLA, he was head of the MFA and BFA Acting Programs at West Virginia University. A member of SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association (AEA), Joe has acted extensively regionally, including roles in the West Virginia Public Theatre’s productions of Sylvia (2017) and It’s A Wonderful Life (2018).  He also directed the 2023 WVPT production of Narnia: The Musical.  Joe is thrilled to be back at WVPT

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Mr. Gower & others – Jamie Froemel

James Froemel has performed with Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Vintage Theatre Company, and West Virginia Public Theatre in productions including A Christmas Carol and Clue. As a storyteller, he is a four-time winner of the West Virginia Liars Contest and was selected as an Exchange Place Teller at the 2025 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He is a graduate of the BFA Acting program at West Virginia University. James is excited to share the stage for the first time with his son Noah, who is also a cast member in this production.

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Uncle Billy & others – Whit Emerson

Whit Emerson (He/Him) is thrilled to make his debut at West Virginia Public Theatre. He has acted professionally with Theatre UCF, Southwestern College Theatre, SUNY Oswego, Indiana Festival Theatre, and more. Whit currently serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at West Virginia University. He sends his love to his friends, family, two cats, and especially his wife.

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Bert & others – Jamaas Britton

Jamaas Britton (He/Him/His) is excited to be back performing in WVPT’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life. He previously played Cal in WVPT’s production of Waitress over the summer and is grateful for this opportunity to be back with this wonderful company. He received his B.F.A in Musical Theater from Limestone College and M.F.A in Acting from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Jamaas is very appreciative to all involved at WVPT, and thanks God, his family, and friends for all of their support in his journey.

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Ernie & others – Ethan Pante

Ethan Pante is a second-year MFA Acting student in the School of Theatre & Dance for WVU. Hailing from Southern California, he earned his BA in Drama from the University of California, Irvine. Previous roles include Dr. George Seward in Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really, Macbeth in Drunk Macbeth with One Rehearsal, Garcin in No Exit, William Barfée in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Edward Kynaston in Nell Gwynn. You can visit his website, ethanpante.com, to learn more.

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Violet & others – Shannon Uphold

Shannon Uphold (Violet) is thrilled to appear in her first WVPT production. Born and raised in Morgantown, WV, she earned her BFA in Acting from West Virginia University in 2015 and her MFA in Acting from the University of Houston in 2020. Favorite past roles include Teresa in Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Rec Room Arts), Kate in The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey), and Ophelia in Hamlet (Houston Shakespeare Festival). Shannon thanks her WVU theatre professors for their guidance and the opportunity to collaborate again.

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Harry Bailey & others – Jay Lindsay

Jay Lindsay is a professionally trained actor and a native of Morgantown, West Virginia. After graduating he took his craft to Los Angeles, where he has built a steadily rising career in film and television. Jay has continued to expand his professional resume, with this year’s roles in both Paramount+ and Apple+. 

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Cousin Tilly & others – Dwedee Kobbah

Dwedee Kobbah is excited to join West Virginia Public Theatre’s It’s a Wonderful Life! A Charleston, WV native, she was recently seen as Belle in the WVPT/WVU co-production of A Christmas Carol. Dwedee is a proud alumna of Grambling State University and a current MFA Acting student at West Virginia University. She is thrilled to share in the magic of this holiday season!

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Nick / Goon / others – Charlie Meeks

Charlie W. Meeks (he/him) is thrilled to return to West Virginia Public Theatre for It’s a Wonderful Life. A proud MFA graduate of West Virginia University, recent credits include Much Ado About Nothing (Tennessee Shakespeare Company), Antony and Cleopatra (Cumberland Theatre), and Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville (Emerald Coast Theatre Company). WVPT audiences may remember him from Narnia the Musical, Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure, Curious Incident, and A Christmas Carol. Charlie currently teaches near his hometown and is happily planning his May 2026 wedding with his beautiful fiancée, Hannah.  

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Young Mary / Zuzu Bailey / others – Martha Hayes

Martha Hayes is a Morgantown native and has trained in both dance and theater through Umbrella Arts. She previously appeared in West Virginia Public Theater’s production of Waitress earlier this year. She is very grateful to the actors, production staff, and director of WVPT for making her first acting experience so enjoyable and is excited to appear again in It’s A Wonderful Life. 

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Young Violet / Tommy Bailey / others – Vada Frank

Vada Frank is 9 years old and a 4th-grader at St. Francis Central Catholic School. This is her second production with WV Public Theatre. She also performs with Morgantown Theatre Company, where she most recently starred as Nemo in Finding Nemo Kids! Vada is a member of NEVA Creative Arts, where she studies jazz and tap, and she takes voice lessons with Miss Julia Pinn. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, crafting, and spending time with her friends.

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Young George & others – Nico Ipince

Nico Ipince is a 12-year-old student at Suncrest Middle School who is thrilled to make his debut with WV Public Theater. He discovered his love for performing in his elementary school drama club and has since appeared in two productions with Morgantown Theater Company. Nico also performs in Pop Shop shows, where he enjoys playing the drums and singing. When he’s not on stage, he stays active by playing soccer and participating in Boy Scouts. He is grateful for this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show! 

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Janie Bailey & others – Summerlee Hewitt

Summerlee is a 6th grader at South Middle School and is thrilled to play Janie in It’s a Wonderful Life with WV Public Theatre. She has performed in five productions with Morgantown Theatre Company, including Alice in Wonderland and most recently SpongeBob the Musical. Summerlee loves bringing classic stories to life and can’t wait for everyone to experience this heartwarming production. Outside of theater, she enjoys ballet, jazz, playing piano, and spending time with her friends. She is grateful for the support and excited to share this special show with you.

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Pete Bailey & others – Noah Froemel

Noah is delighted to be making his first appearance on stage with West Virginia Public Theatre. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano, riding his bike, and spending time with his dog, Daisy, and cat, Gumball.  He is excited to be part of the production and hopes you enjoy the show!  

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Ensemble – Luke Belcher

Luke Belcher (he/him/his) is a senior BFA Acting major at WVU. Belcher previously played Fred in WVPT’s production of A Christmas Carol and is excited to be working with them again in the Ensemble of It’s A Wonderful Life. He gives all his thanks to his friends, family, and girlfriend.

Ensemble – Heather Lacy

Heather Lacy is a junior BFA Acting student at West Virginia University. Previously appeared in Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really, as Lucy Westenra, and will next appear as Rosaura in Suenó. 

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Ensemble – Charlie Mattingly

Charlie Mattingly is a Senior BFA Acting Major at West Virginia University. He has been credited with being in Luna Gale (Peter) and 9 to 5: The Musical (Ensemble). This is his second time working with WVPT, the first time being King of Mars (Rodney).  Charlie would like to thank the grubs, the bunch, all his other wonderful friends and family, and all his fellow students and faculty of WVU, for their support!

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Ensemble – Laura McKenzie

Laura McKenzie is earning an MFA in Acting from WVU. Roles in grad school include Cindy in Luna Gale, Mary in Rimers of Eldritch, and the Charwoman, Mrs. Fezziwig, and Ensemble in A Christmas Carol with WV Public Theatre. Career notable roles include Maggie in Lend Me a Tenor, Rita in Prelude to a Kiss, Madge in Picnic, Sister Margaret in The Hasty Heart, and Shelby in Steel Magnolias. Laura is thrilled to be performing with several of her current professors.