New Musical by Local Authors to Premiere At Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater
Photos by Jana Marcus
The Cabrillo Theatre Arts Department presents the world premiere of Kaufman and Perri’s original musical It’s A Wonderful Life, performing November 7 through 21 at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater.
Local authors Marcus Kaufman and Chris Perri’s modern-day rendition of the beloved Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life is reimagined for a new generation of theatregoers. Eighteen original gospel, reggae, rock, ballad and show tune song and dance numbers makes this musical a sure delight for the entire family.
The story centers on George Bailey, a good man essential to a small town’s well-being, who is framed by a wicked banker in a public scandal ripe with theft, betrayal and infidelity.
Despondent, he resolves to take his own life, but in the nick of time his clever guardian angel intervenes. Clarence, George’s angel, is a wise soul who teaches him that friends, family and community-not the fame and fortune he had always wished for-are the true measures of wealth and happiness.
The story definitely stands on the shoulders of the original Capra screenplay, and there are plenty of hat-tips to classic scenes from the film, says author Marcus Kaufman. But viewers expecting a simple-minded clockmaker for George’s guardian angel, or an old white Joseph directing the action in heaven will be surprised.
Director Kathryn Adkins has cast renowned local gospel/soul singer Tammi Brown as a sassy gospel-diva-angel. The story line stays faithful to the original film, even though it turns it upside down with a fun blend of reverent humor and hip dialogue. The cast of 29 also includes Cabrillo Stage favorites David Jackson as George and Jarrod Washington as the Jamaican-inspired guardian angel, Clarence. This is not your father’s Wonderful Life,’ adds Kaufman.
Original music for the production has been written by Chris Perri (aka Johnny Perri to die-hard fans of the local 1980s rock band Eddie and The Tide). The musical numbers in the play run the gamut from heart-touching ballads to rock duets, says Perri. There are also gospel hymns and Broadway-style show tunes. I basically gave each character in the play their own musical identity; a leitmotif to set the pace for the fast-moving story. Despite all the variety, I think the music hangs together wonderfully and folks should get ready for a great ride. I don’t imagine anyone will be falling asleep at this show.
Skip Epperson has designed a spectacular set to showcase the premiere. Turning the Crocker Theatre into the small-town of Bedford Falls for the nine performances, Epperson says, “The production will blow folks away.”
Join the beloved characters George, Mary, Clarence, and Zuzu this November at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater and rediscover the priceless wisdom that indeed makes a wonderful life.
Cabrillo Theatre Arts presents the world premiere of the Kaufman & Perri musical
It’s A Wonderful Life
November 7 21, 2015 Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
Performance Schedule: Saturday, Nov. 7 @ 7:30 PM • Sunday, Nov. 8 @ 2 PM • Friday, Nov. 13 @ 7:30 PM • Saturday, Nov. 14 @ 2:00 PM and at 7:30 PM • Sunday, Nov. 15 @ 2 PM – followed by a post-show discussion • Friday, Nov. 20 @ 7:30 PM • Saturday, Nov. 21 @ 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20 general, $18 students, $15 Cabrillo SAC card holders. www.cabrillovapa.com
Marcus Kaufman is a technical marketing writer and editor with a passion for story-telling and musical theater. Together with partner Chris Perri, he has written the lyrics for three musicals including their gospel-rock-reggae adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life. Says Kaufman, “Our version of It’s a Wonderful life is so full of rich and interesting characters that the lyrics and the libretto came easy.” A California native, Kaufman has degrees from both UC Santa Cruz and San Jose State. He lives in Santa Cruz with Virginia, his wife of 35 years, and their corgi, Gracie.
Chris Perri (AKA Johnny Perri to fans of the local 80’s rock band Eddie and The Tide) is a well-known figure in Santa Cruz music circles. Born in New York, Chris and his wife Peggy are long-time residents of Scotts Valley contributing to a broad range of community and charitable activities and playing leadership roles at their church. Chris came to California in the 70’s where he became the lead guitarist in a successful rock band. Chris said, “I like to tell people that Eddie and the Tide made it to the big leagues but we couldn’t hit the curve. We cut six albums and played in huge auditoriums all around the country. But we never had that big break-out hit.” Today, Perri is the musical half of Kaufman & Perri, writing, arranging and producing their many songwriting projects. Perri worked with his daughter VJ Solenberger and Don Adkins on producing the score for It’s a Wonderful Life and plays guitar in the pit orchestra.