‘Wonderful Life’ a one-man wonder

Although it was not considered a box-office success during its 1946 release, Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" has become a Christmas classic and is considered one of the most inspirational American films of all time.

At the Barksdale Theatre, starting Nov. 28 and running through Jan. 11, the film classic takes on new life as a stage production, with Richmond's own Scott Wichmann as the Narrator. And as George Bailey. And Mary Hatch Bailey. And Uncle Billy. And guardian angel Clarence Odbody. Wichmann is, in fact, the entire cast in this one-man version titled "This Wonderful Life," written by Steve Murray, conceived by Mark Setlock, and directed by John Moon.

Wichmann sets the stage, starting off with a one-minute, rapid-fire synopsis of the story and cast of characters. This introduction should be fair warning that evening is going to be an energetic, fast-paced, humorous theatrical tour-de-force. Wichmann changes his voice, posture, gestures and nuances for each character. His timing is superb. The 130-minute film has been condensed into a 70-minute stage play -- performed without intermission.

It is a physically demanding role, as when Wichmann races across the floor on a sled (on wheels), climbs over the railing of a bridge in a suicide attempt, or races backstage from one corner of the stage only to appear moments later from an entirely different direction or entrance. This is done most often to represent a change of scene or character -- but sometimes, just maybe, simply because he can.

Yet another endearing quality is Wichmann's interaction with the audience and his wry asides. When the script calls for him to say, "I don't know you from Adam's off ox!" he breaks character and deadpans, "I don't know what that means, either!" He makes a point of telling a couple of young audience members that the characters are going to kiss, and after setting up the audience with a double entendre, when characters Bert the cop and Ernie the cabbie give one another a "smack," Wichmann asides that the little town of Bedford Hills, "doesn't cotton to that sort of thing."

Adam Karavatakis has littered the stage with period paraphernalia, such as a manual typewriter, an old cash register, and old leather suitcases. A row of attached houses lights up at appropriate times, and snow falls from the sky. "This Wonderful Life" is an enchanting holiday package, all wrapped up in Scott Wichmann.