It’s A Wonderful Life

A Play in Two Acts by James W. Rodgers

Play Review by Aedan J. Roach

It’s A Wonderful life by James W. Rodgers was performed and hosted by the Calvary Players of the Calvary Christian School in Deerpark, NY on December 9th, 10th, and 11th of this year. I was able to see the performance on December 11th. When I arrived, the church appeared to be welcoming because it was nicely decorated for Christmas and there was a spread of refreshments ready for intermission. The admission to the play was free. Donations were appreciated, if you felt that was what God led you to do. The Assistant Director, Joanie Nietzschmann, introduced the play by stating that this would be the last performance on the current stage because the church is being remodeled by Grace Community Church. This was a sentimental moment for her because she has been directing plays for eleven years on that physical stage. The beginning of the play started with the main character, George Bailey, played by Liam Southard, appearing greatly despaired and contemplating suicide.  At that moment, George was visited by Clarence Odbody, the Angel, played by Connor MacNeil. Clarence came to help George realize that people would not be better off without him and that his life was truly a wonderful life. Throughout the play, Clarence provided him with evidence of his good deeds such as saving his brother Harry Bailey, played by Joseph Bruno, from drowning and saving Mr. Grower, played by Alexander Reno, from committing a horrible mistake that could have ended him in jail. Clarence continued to provide him with positive memories of the good times spent with his family, which included his mother, played by Zara Gigi, his Aunt Tilly, played by Maggie Noakes, his Uncle Billy, played by Neoskye Ealy and his future wife, Mary Hatch, played by Sarah Callahan. Clarence also allowed George to see what his life would have been like if he had never been born.

Throughout the play, George’s rival, the grumpy old man named Mr. Potter, played by Aaron Morell, tempted George with a financial offer that he almost could not refuse, if he sold the Building and Loan to him.  After he realized Mr. Potter’s selfish reasons, George declined his offer and called him a scurvy little spider. It appeared that Potter tempted George just as Jesus was tempted by the devil. The devil said the he would give Jesus everything, if he would bow down to him but Jesus declined and that is what Jesus led George Bailey to do.

During the play, the actors stayed in character at every moment. I especially noticed this when George gave me a high five as an audience member, as if I was a part of the gang. In addition, it was humorous when Violet Peterson, played by Samantha Phillips, exited the stage, while still mumbling under her breath about her dress getting dirty. None of the actors missed a line and all the actors did an exceptional job of taking on the character’s personality and characteristics. Liam Southard’s ability to mimic James Stewart’s voice and mannerisms was so smooth; just like spreading butter on toast. It was amazing! Also, Nehemiah Bontrager did an outstanding job playing Sam Wainwright, George’s long-time friend. He made him more comical with his amusing antics. The sound effects and background music, led by James Callaghan, Priscilla Cassase, and Hank Huff were perfectly executed. The set was created and designed by Danielle and Dom Cassase, Jeff Colgan, Michelle MacNeil, and Joyce Southard. They provided a set and backdrop that clearly represented the time and made you feel as if you were in the 1940s. The costumes, designed by Alison Bruno, Erin Hill, and Michele Neusch, and hair and makeup, provided by Haley Carlisle and Erin Hill, made each actor alive in that time. The props, created by Jackie Morell and Dawn Weiss, were completely realistic. All in all, I have to say that the Director, God, and His Assistant Director, Joanie Nietzschmann, did a phenomenal job on directing this play. This was the most amazing play I have ever seen!

Lastly, Aaron Morell provided a profound moment when he gave his testimony to the audience. He stated that that at one time, he was in a very dark place feeling unloved even with his church and family. He then read his Bible more often and felt the true love of Jesus. It was then that he realized the true impact of what Jesus did for all of us, which is died for our sins. Once understanding that fully, he realized that life, including his, is truly a wonderful life!

Home By DreamWorks

(Movie Review by Aedan Roach)

I watched an animated movie called Home by the company DreamWorks. It is a family oriented movie. The main characters were Tucci, nicknamed Tip, whose voice was played by Rihanna, Oh, who’s voice was played by Jim parsons, and Lucy, Tip’s mom, who’s voice was provided by Jennifer Lopez. In the beginning of the movie, Oh and his species, the Boov, were running away from their enemy, the Gorg. They landed themselves on the planet Earth and decided to make it their new home planet. When they arrived on Earth, they relocated all the humans to Australia except for a fourteen-year-old girl, Tip. Tip and Oh soon met in a convenient store. He was hiding from his fellow Boov because he had made a horrible mistake. He accidentally sent an email to the Gorg with the exact coordinates of where the Boov species were located.  After meeting up with Tip, Oh convinced Tip to help him escape and stop the email with the promise to help her find her mom Lucy.  The story revolved around Oh, Tip, and Tip’s cat’s adventures in the slushy car, built by Oh, to save both Tip’s mom and the Boov from the Gorg. This movie was based around Christmas time, which usually provides an uplifting storyline. Since the characters were animated, they provided the audience with laughter and good spirit. The movie was well edited. The music used was appropriate and followed the mood of the characters. The special effects in this movie were good and kept the audience’s attention. Overall, I would say Home is a fun movie to watch as a family, especially those with younger children.