It’s maybe not A Wonderful Life at Hillbarn Theatre

Robert Brewer as George Bailey, Joey Montes as Clarence
It’s a Wonderful Life is one of those iconic Christmas films that everyone knows and, love it or hate it, you will probably see it fifteen times this December just flipping through TV channels. It seems to be so well known and loved that no other filmmaker has even attempted to remake it. How do you improve on Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore? It’s darn near impossible. But when I heard that the story of George Bailey and Bedford Falls had been remade into a musical, I definitely thought it could work.
On paper, it should work. Christmas stories, tales of love and redemption, stories involving kids and small towns, these are all ripe fodder for a classic hit musical. And I think Hillbarn Theatre could pull it off, but I am not sure this particular production was prepared to open yet.
Two great things about the production: The eight piece orchestra was fabulous, and was on stage just behind the bridge. I thought this was a great idea, and it worked well. Second, the stage design itself: The Bedford Falls bridge was built large and looming over the stage, with most of the action taking place beneath it so that you are always aware of George Bailey’s past, present and future. The angels Matthew and Clarence stood over the bridge, and there were screens above and to the side of it where the different settings were projected.
But there were several problems. The choreography, surprising for Hillbarn, was not tight and could use a lot more practice. Leaving mics off many of the background characters was understandable until they suddenly had lines and we couldn’t hear them. There were a few musical cues missed which anyone familiar with the film (most everyone) would notice.

Bailey Batti as Mary Hatch Bailey, Robert Brewer as George Bailey
But it was the songs that really need work, and this was not necessarily (but sometimes was) the fault of the cast. Some of the songs seemed unnecessary to the story, or just too long. Robert Brewer plays a fine George Bailey and Bailey Battie as Mary is lovely and has a beautiful voice, and both had no problems with most of their pieces. But neither was up to one operatic spoken word piece that was interminable. I am not sure if the point of this song, a tense exchange between George and Mary, was to make the audience as uncomfortable as possible, but even so it went on for entirely too long. I don’t blame Brewer or Battie for this, I think it is a production problem with the song itself that needs to be fixed.
My love for Hillbarn Theatre and their productions is well documented, and at times last night I wondered if my expectations had just been set too high for this show. But sadly this production was nowhere near the level I would usually expect. It is also entirely possible that opening night was just “one of those nights”, and the show could improve in the coming weeks. I do hope it does as I love this company, and I firmly believe they are worthy of support. I still think it is a great show for a holiday evening out, and it is perfect for kids old enough to sit through a show.
A Wonderful Life
Playing through December 19
Hillbarn Theatre
1285 East Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster City
650.349.6411
Tickets