Heather Sconce and Jordan Michel
OAKHURST — Looking for a perfect way to share the wisdom of the holiday season with the entire family and friends, too? Heather Sconce is directing a production of It’s A Wonderful Life — the Musical — at Sierra Pines Church.
Written and scored by Keith Ferguson and Bruce Greer, the show opens on Friday, Dec. 1 for eight performances through Saturday, Dec. 16.
Shows on Fridays and Saturdays start at 7 p.m. Matinee performances start at 2 p.m. It’s produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
“I am thrilled beyond words to bring this beautiful musical to the mountains,” says Heather. “For those old and young alike, who have either seen the movie a thousand times or are excited to share the film with their children, or even if you’ve never seen this movie — It’s a Wonderful Life is a story that brings hope at a time when some often forget that we need it. The music is phenomenal and the cast is one of the most talented and caring groups of people I have ever had the privilege to work with!”
Bob Heidebrecht and Jordan Michel
Leading off the cast as the iconic George Bailey is the talented Jordan Michel. Heather Sconce directs the cast and also plays Mary Hatch.
“Jordan is so in tune with his character that you won’t feel that you are watching an actor play a part, you will believe he is who he is portraying. I am so blessed to get to act opposite him as Mary Hatch in this show. Very few actors have I worked with that I click with so easily on the stage.”
The elaborate two-story set the actors work on was built by the incredible Craig Friesen of Friesen Construction and Matt Van De Wal, who designed and created the infrastructure of this set. Heather says it’s “epic” and “you have to see it to believe it.”
Other names to look for in this cast — and there are many, according to Heather — include Michael Tweedy, who plays the lovable Clarence the angel.
“This man has the most incredible voice you’ve ever heard, and I’m not just saying that because he’s my daddy. He is so endearing as Clarence and the audience is just going to fall in love with him.”
Michael Tweedy as Clarence
Bob Heidebrecht brings to life Henry Potter, the richest and meanest man in town, bent on bringing the Bailey family down.
“Bob has played numerous roles for me over the years, but this is his first ‘bad guy’ role and the dynamics he is bringing to it are just stunning,” continues Heather. “The young actors in our show are also incredible. Adam Greenwood, Elisa Heidebrecht, and my own two children, Makenzie Sconce and Kaden Sconce, round out the four Bailey children. Their voices and acting are far above their ages and I am so blessed to work with them.”
Other standout actors include Mark Robinson as Uncle Billy, Laura LaTour as Mama Bailey, Melinda Green as Cousin Tilly, Rosemary Bellisario as Violet Bick, B.K. Robinson as Harry Bailey and Noah Allen as Sam Wainwright. Heather says the entire cast of more than 50 players gives a stellar performance. We hear that Santa will be in the lobby before each show, starting an hour before curtain, along with carolers to serenade the audience into the Christmas spirit.
Mark Robinson, Jordan Michel, Melinda Green
“My ultimate goal is to have the audience leave feeling uplifted and given renewed hope. In a time where our country and world seem to be in such upheaval, this show offers a viewpoint of how special we are to so many. Please come and be blessed, and bring someone with you who needs to understand how special they are. I promise you, you won’t regret it.”
Tickets available at:
$14 for adults
$12 for Seniors (60+)
$10 for children (10 years old and younger)
“Every time a bell rings…an angel gets his wings!”
This musical is based on the beloved 1946 film, faithfully following George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, as we all take a journey to discover whether his life has mattered at all. Cinematically scored and theatrically staged, this adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth, humor, and pathos of the original. A new holiday classic for devotees and newcomers alike.
Sierra Pines Church is located at 40855 Covey Court in Oakhurst. Call (559) 683-2882 for more information.
Makenzie Sconce as Zuzu Bailey and Heather Sconce as Mary Hatch Bailey
