Auditions Set for 'It's a Wonderful Life'

Want to act on stage with your child?

Barrington Community Theatre is holding auditions for "It's a Wonderful Life," the classic Christmas movie starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore and directed by Frank Capra. Auditions start Sept. 12 at Barrington Middle School.

"This play is open to all and all parts are open," said Joel Hellmann, director of the community theater. "We particularly need a George Bailey."

Hellmann, who had led the community theater for 10 years, also said: "This will be the last play I direct in Barrington, and I can't think of a better play to end on!"

The cast for the play will be large.

"There are 70 speaking parts total, and 25 well-known leads," Hellmann said, "so our need is very great. And we are casting as age-appropriate as possible."

This script runs very close to the 1946 movie, he said. Rehearsals will be held Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 pm.

"Only George will have to come to all rehearsals," Hellmann said. "Other leads will have to come to one a week on average and people in small parts will only have a few rehearsals. We will not be wasting anyone's time."

Six performances are scheduled: Dec 9 and 10 (two shows) and Dec 16 and 17 (two shows).

"All shows are expected to sell out," said Hellmann.

"Actors with experience" are Hellmann's first choice, he said, "but I will work with anyone."

There are nine parts for young children, Hellmann said.

"They will be offered first to Barrington Community Theatre kids, except for the part of Zuzu, who we are planning to cast younger," he said.

"There is still time to sign kids up for Barrington Community Theatre," he said. "But space is filling up fast. This may be your only chance to act on the same stage as your children."

"We are also looking to hire a paid assistant director/tech director and program design person," Hellmann said.  

Any questions, contact Hellmann by email at jhellmann@fctvplus.net or by phone at 433-2323. 

Regarding his final play, Hellmann said: "After 10 years, we, the town and I, are in the process of turning the reigns of Barrington Community Theatre over to Reid Eighme, who was one of the original actors in the program 10 years ago.

"I will stay on administratively for as long as the town manager wants to facilitate the transition and ensure that the program will continue in its current format and with its current concept. There is no other program like it that I am aware of. It is like both summer stock and a repertory company for kids."