George Bailey's guardian angel must descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and remind him by showing him what the world would have been like had he never been born, that his has been, after all, a wonderful life.
The dramatization from the film by Frank Capra and the story by Philip Van Doren Stern, adapted for stage by James W. Rogers celebrates the faith of the season.
The American philosophy of life: hard work, fair play and the love and support of one's family and community will be rewarded.
Article Photos
From left, Mary Hatch/Bailey (Leah Siefkes), George Bailey (George Hirschboeck), Miss Andrews (Savannah Garcia), Aunt Tilly (Paige Walter), Harry Bailey (Michael Sprenger), and Uncle Billy (Nathan McMullen).
George Bailey (George Hirschboeck), talked about what the play means to him.
"It's important to get the lesson that every life is important," said Hirschboeck. "No matter how bad it gets, there is always something right with life."
Leah Siefkes (Mary Hatch/Bailey) talked about it.
Fact Box
If you go...
What: Sleepy Eye High School Fall Play "It's A Wonderful Life"
When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Monday, Nov. 20, 21, 23
Where: Sleepy Eye High School Auditorium
Tickets: Available at the door, one hour prior to curtain.
Cost: Adults $7, students $6, children 12 and under $5.
Cast list
George BaileyGeorge Hirschboeck
Clarence OdbodyChris Seifert
Mr. GowerGenaro Roman
Young GeorgeSam Hirschboeck
Harry BaileyMichael Sprenger
Mother BaileyShelby Wells
Aunt TillyPaige Walter
Violet PetersonCarissa Hillmer
BeatriceJessica Busch
EstherRachel Schroeder
Uncle BillyNathan McMullen
Mary Hatch/BaileyLeah Siefkes
Henry PotterAndrew Geiger
Mr. Potter's SecretaryKristina Busch
Mr. Potter's Goon/AssistantDavid Martinez
Mrs. HatchSamantha McMullen
Miss AndrewsSavannah Garcia
Mrs. ThompsonSamantha Augustin
Mr. MartiniNathan Miller
Mrs. MartiniLauren Kosmatka
Miss CarterRebeccah Ahlrich
Newspaper boyMatt Miller
Mr. WelchSantos Jasso
Pete BaileyBrandon Roiger
Theresa BaileyBrianna Polesky
Zuzu BaileyMartina Neinhaus
Janie BaileyBethany Seifert
Townspeople: Sydney Remus, Emily Curtis, Alejandra Briones, Emily Johnson, Courtney Schmidt, Maurissa Montemayor, Ashley Streich, Jocelyn Mora
Stagecrew: Cassie Cselovszki, Emily Kjelshus, Maria Steffl, Donovan Wells.
Director: Sandy Brinkman
Technical Director: Mary VanRoekel
"Even though you don't feel your life makes an impact on people, it does and how special it really is," she added.
Chris Seifert (Clarence Odbody) described what the play means to him.
"Generosity. Every life can contribute to society," he said. "Celebrate living for creating a better life."
Director Sandy Brinkman described what the play means to her.
"I grew up watching this movie. I loved it as a kid and still do today," Brinkman added. "It's message is so relevant today. It's about the things we should be thankful for. Things that are meaningful and will attribute to our own legacy."
Brinkman said the production should get everyone in the Christmas spirit and demonstrate what brings us joy before presents are opened.
"The cast and crew are very dedicated. I'm very proud of them," said Brinkman.