Students at Gosnell High School will perform "It's a Wonderful Life" Monday and Tuesday nights at 7 in the high school auditorium.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is loosely based on the short story "The Greatest Gift" written by Philip Van Doren Stern that was turned into a film in 1946, produced and directed by Frank Capra.
The story takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls shortly after World War II features George Bailey, a man whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve gains the attention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who is sent to help him in his hour of need.
Much of the story is told through flashbacks spanning George's entire life and narrated by Franklin and Joseph, unseen Angels who are preparing Clarence for his mission to save George. Through these flashbacks we see all the people whose lives have been touched by George and the difference he has made to the community in which he lives.
The cast of the production includes Zach Perrin as George; Caroline Crigger and Chandler Kennemore as Mary Hatch Bailey; Bryan Roberts as Mr. Potter; Dylan Myrick as Clarence; Jordan Fells as Uncle Billy; Hanna Thompson as Aunt Tilley; Ryan Beale as Mr. Gower; Harley Blagg as Harry Bailey; Lori Analora as Violet;
Amanda Peyton as Ma Bailey; James Connor as Ernie/Bert; Taylor Carmichael as Potter's goon; Freddie Fells as Mr. Martini; Victoria Anderson as Mrs. Martini; Samantha Frick as Ms. Carter; Tucker Thompson as Pete Bailey; Erica Neives as Zuzu; Jasmine Dixon as Janie and Sara Uselton as Ms. Andrews.
There will also be a special guest appearance by Coach Adrian Davis, said Cindy Hodge, the drama teacher and producer of the play.
Admission to the performances is $6 for adults and $2 for students. All the proceeds of Tuesday night's performance will benefit Mackenzie Kelley, a junior at GHS who has been battling cancer. Kelley underwent a bone marrow transplant in October and has been a patient at St. Jude Children's Medical Center for two years.
"Our prayers and love go out to Mackenzie and her family," Hodge said. "We want the community to have the opportunity to support this family at Christmas time. Friends truly are our greatest gift," she said.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com