Wonderful Life

Southeast Alaska Decembers only give about six hours of sunlight a day. Being a town of friendly-happy-hippy-types, we try to find a way to keep our spirits up through the darkness. It is the time of year we take advantage of a little bit of local culture.

Perseverance Theatre is the Capital City's highlight. Currently "This Wonderful Life" is running, and it is a perfect holiday play. It's a one man show, starring Juneau's own Ed Christian. Ed is a Perseverance veteran. and one of Juneau's star actors.

In "This Wonderful Life" Ed plays a man who is thoroughly obsessed with the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." So obsessed, in fact, that he performs the entire movie. 

The movie was released in 1946, and is all about George Bailey. George Bailey is a small town man, who doesn't realize his own impact on the lives around him. One Christmas Eve, George is faced with financial ruin, and an angel saves him from taking his own life. The angel then shows George what his life would have been like, had he never been born. George sees that his little town would be run by a tyrant, his mother and wife would be lonely spinsters, his friends would be embittered, and the world would simply lack warmth.

Ed Christian seamlessly embodies Jimmy Stuart's portrayal of  George Bailey, and sparkles as he also becomes all of the supporting roles. It is so delightful to watch such a talented actor take on all of the roles, and equally delightful to be reminded of such a great story with a timeless message.

  

One of my best friends from childhood (her blog & her mother's blog), had a family Christmas tradition where they would watch "It's a Wonderful Life", and then afterward name a person in their own lives who was a "George Bailey." This is someone who literally made them who they are. Who touched their lives so deeply, the mere existence of their chosen "George Bailey" was crucial in the shaping of their character. (I only know about this tradition, because one year, my father was recognized as a "George Bailey")

Watching the play, "This Wonderful Life" made me ponder my own "George Bailey." I couldn't think of just one "George Bailey" in my life, so I made a list this morning. My first thought was (of course) my parents, but that seems too obvious. Like, DUH, of course I wouldn't be who I am without them. Although, they would be my number 1. :)

Here is my list of

"Alli's 2010 George Baileys":

*Julie Archer: My childhood music mentor. She gave me confidence in my singing voice. She taught me to sing in a choir, and was one of the first people to believe that I actually had a strong voice. She didn't look at me as an awkward teenager. She was able to see potential, and believed in me. I owe her my life as a performer.

*Tom Waldron: My high school choir teacher. He took music very seriously. To him, choral music was not easy, and discipline and practice were essential in choral music study. I was never afraid when Mr. Waldron was in charge. He was the first to show me that practice makes perfect.

*Liz Lavoie: My manager at the Red Onion in Skagway. Liz is inherently good. She doesn't fake it. It genuinely comes naturally. She is not quick to judge, and always gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. She taught me to understand everyone's needs, and see that forgiveness reigns. She truly loves, and sees the good in the world.

*Meredith Hinckley Schmidt: HELLO! My best friend. This is probably obvious too, but from the moment we laughed together, we were hooked. My friendship with her, is the most successful relationship I've ever had. She supports me. I support her. It's impossible for me to imagine my life without her.

I could go on and on to include more, and I believe that we are all who we are because of each other. I hope to continue to appreciate all the good people in my life during Christmas. 

Happy Wednesday!

xo