DIRECTORS RAVE ABOUT THE KERN & LOWE VERSION

"I’ve reviewed several stage versions of 'It’s Wonderful Life', but none of them capture the heart of the original as well as Kern and Lowe’s adaptation. It’s lovingly faithful to the events and most importantly, the spirit of the story. George’s longing for a life beyond Bedford Falls versus his devotion to home, friends and the love of his life, Mary, is skillfully portrayed. His role as Everyman against his dream of being the Extraordinary man are poignantly captured in song while mixed in with all the familiar characters and ebullient energy of the film. I give it four wings!"
—Tim Perrino, Artistic Director, Covedale Theatre, Cincinnati, OH

"The Kerns and Jerry Lowe have captured the beauty of the Capra movie and added wonderful music that is suitable for a variety of voices and talent levels. A great pick for a community production. I looked at several versions of this show and this is by far the best one out there."
—Pat Ganz, Director, Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre, Hamilton, OH

WHY CHOOSE KERN AND LOWE'S "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" OVER OTHER VERSIONS?

Because of our combined 100 years in professional theatre (yes, it hits the century mark when you add it up), the authors believe that we have crafted an enduring and faithful musical adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film. We have tested the musical in front of many audiences and improved it along the way. We have been faithful to the original material, knowing it is a beloved classic. Audience response has been consistently positive and theatres have returned to this work to perform it again and again.


REVIEWS?

"The musical faithfully re-creates—and has a song about—almost every one of the movie's memorable moments...people will enjoy coming back."
—Rick Pender, Cincinnati "CityBeat"

"This stage version makes you marvel...very much on the right track theatrically."
—Jackie Demaline, "The Cincinnati Enquirer"

“With only a few minor alterations, this version of "It's a Wonderful Life" is a very faithful musical adaptation of the film….Some numbers, such as "Train Whistles," "Make a Wish," and "A Wonderful Life" have beautiful, sophisticated melodies and imaginative lyrics.”
—"Talkin’ Broadway" by Scott Cain


IS KERN & LOWE'S "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" BASED ON FRANK CAPRA'S MOVIE?

Yes, we have been lovingly faithful to the movie in our musical version. Of course, some things had to be adapted (we don’t expect you to put a swimming pool under a gym floor, for instance!). But the plot, the story, the characters…they’re all there.

WHAT'S THE MUSIC LIKE?

Philip Kern's imaginative, lively score and Susan Kern's loving, witty lyrics enhance the story everyone loves with memorably hummable songs:

"WHEN AN ANGEL GETS HIS WINGS"—The Company
"ZUZU'S PRAYER"—for her father
"NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DAY"—Young George
"A ZUZU SUNDAE"—Young George for Young Mary
"THE WORLD OUTSIDE"—transition from Young George to Adult
"STEPPIN' OUT"—Harry with the Company at the dance
"MR. AND MRS. BEDFORD FALLS"—Sam Wainwright and Company
"MAKE A WISH"—George and Mary at the old Granville mansion
"ANCHOR CHAINS, TRAIN WHISTLES, PLANE MOTORS"—George
"A YOUNG GIRL'S DREAMS"—Mary
"WISHING YOU HAPPINESS"—Bert and Ernie after the wedding
"NOTHING LEFT"—Mr. Potter during the run on the Savings and Loan
"THE WALDORF"—Bert and Ernie at the old Granville mansion
"HARRY'S COMIN' HOME"—newsboy and The Company
"HAPPY"—Mr. Potter's soft shoe
"FLOWER DREAM"—George's lullaby for Zuzu
"WHERE DID HE GO?"—Mary and The Company
"GEORGE'S PRAYER"—on the bridge
"A WONDERFUL LIFE"—Clarence
"THE RICHEST MAN IN TOWN"—Harry and the Company
FINALE: "WHEN AN ANGEL GETS HIS WINGS"—The Company

Be sure to visit our "Music Videos and Photo" link to enjoy several of these musical numbers in video clips culled from one professional production and one community theatre presentation.


Has "KERN & LOWE'S "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" been produced?

Downtown Theatre Classics
Cincinnati OH
World Premiere
1998 and 1999

North East School of the Arts
Robert E. Lee High School
San Antonio TX
1999

La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Springfield OH
2003 and 2007

Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre
Hamilton OH
2008

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Cincinnati OH
2008


WHAT'S THE SIZE OF THE CAST?

Here’s the cast breakdown:

George Bailey
Mary Hatch
Uncle Billy
Peter Bailey
Ma Bailey
Harry Bailey
Joseph (an Angel)
Clarence Odbody (an Angel)
Henry F. Potter (a rich local man)
Mr. Reineman (his assistant)
Violet Bick (the town flirt)
Sam Wainwright (George's friend)
Bert (a Policeman)
Ernie Bishop (a cab driver)
Giuseppe Martini (an Italian homeowner)

OTHER CHARACTERS
Man
Woman
Townspeople and children
Angels
Mr. Gower
Mrs. Thompson
Tom
Marty Hatch
Students at the High School dance
Miss Partridge
Ruth Dakin Bailey
Mrs. Hatch - Voice only
Bank Teller
Mrs. Davis
Randall
Ed
Cop #1 and #2
Couple outside the Five and Dime
Deputy Sheriff

CHILDREN / YOUNG ADULTS
Young George (can double Newsboy and/or Pete Bailey)
Young Sam
Young Marty
Young Mary / (can double Janie Bailey)
Pete Bailey (George and Mary's son)
Janie Bailey (George and Mary's older daughter)
Zuzu / Lily (George and Mary's youngest plus a surprise!)
Young Boy, Mary Wainwright’s son
Newsboy


IS THERE AN ORCHESTRATION? HOW MANY PARTS?

Yes, our show is fully orchestrated by Steve Parsons, one of the nation's top professional orchestrators, and is scored for 16 players:

REED 1: Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet in B-flat, Alto Sax
REED 2: Oboe, English Horn
REED 3: Clarinet in B-flat, Flute, Alto Sax
REED 4: Bass Clarinet, Clarinet in B-flat, Tenor Sax

Trumpet in B-flat 1
Trumpet in B-flat 2
Horn in F
Trombone

Percussion (1 player) (Suspended Cymbal, Timpani [2,] Orchestra Bells, Mark Tree, Wind Chimes, Triangle, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Egg Shaker, Toms, Finger Cymbal, Wood Block, Chimes and Trap Set including Snare Drum, Bass Drum, High Hat, Ride Cymbal, Crash Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, Floor Toms and Rack Toms)

Keyboard 1
Keyboard 2

Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Contrabass


CAN IT BE DONE WITH JUST A PIANO OR SMALL COMBO?

It's possible to do the show with a reduced number of players or even just piano, but we recommend the full orchestration. Please note that if you wish to use a smaller number of instruments, we cannot provide a reduced orchestration. The entire orchestration must be rented.

If this page hasn't answered all your questions. please use the CONTACT page to email us your questions and we'll get back to you quickly.