Praise for our 2007 and 2008 productions:

"A beautiful production" —Jerry Wasserman, The Province [Read more]

"Soars on angel wings of innovation" —Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun [Read more]

"It’s brilliant…warm and fuzzy" —Jo Ledingham, The Vancouver Courier [Read more]

"A beautiful production with excellent actors and great sets, It’s a Wonderful Life hopes to warm your heart and to pull on your heartstrings" —Melanie Shim, Press Plus One [Read more]

"Like the movie, this stage adaptation of It's a Wonderful Life is destined to be a classic worthy of its yearly visit" —Mark Robins, GayVancouver [Read more]

"What a wonderful show! A timeless classic, indeed!" —Ed Farolan, reviewVancouver [Read more]
 

"Terrific story for the holiday season and a real family pleaser. Thanks, we'll all be back soon!"
—Ian, West Vancouver

"Bob Frazer was superb! His rigorous energy throughout the play was palatable in the audience. I loved his character! Also, the 'Angel' was cast beautifully. It was truly a wish come true when he got his wings! Great job all round by everyone. My family and I loved the play."
—Joan

"This is our third time and we absolutely loved it."
—Maria

"An original and great comedy for the whole family. They made it seem so real, it really draws your attention. the main character was very convincing and I felt that he (and all the other characters) were really into their characters....a must see. Romantic and funny"
—Dawn, Vancouver

"We went with good friends and all of us found the show was outstanding. Great performances by all the cast, especially Clarence!"
—Sharon, Surrey

"It was absolutely fabulous!!! Set decor was extremely well done, as well as the choice of actors for each role...Clarence, of course, was wonderful again. Kudos to you the 4 of us so enjoyed it, as we enjoyed white Christmas and Les Mis."
—Ann, Ladysmith

"Excellent - well acted - great set - nice intimate theatre - good family entertainment! I have been before and will come again. All of my dealings from ticket purchase to conclusion were professional."
—Catherine, Delta

"A wonderful performance. My daughter was dismayed that we couldn't stay for the evening performance the same day. The compromise was to rent the movie, but alas, the movie-Clarence was not nearly as engaging as yours. Well-done!"
—Lesley, Vancouver

"This is the 3rd year I've been to see this play. The first year I begged my 21 year old daughter to come with me, and we sat in the front row. Clarence sprinkled us with 'pixie dust' and since then we've made it a family tradition! This year we took along my son & his girlfriend, plus our partners. What a wonderful life! Thanks for doing such a great job year after year."
—Lori, Delta

"Truly enjoyable! I have recommended the show to others and will definitely see more shows in the future!"
—Angela, Burnaby

"It was a great performance by the entire cast! Clarence was the best angel!"
—Hayley, Burnaby

"Absolutely fantastic! Brilliant actors, beautiful set, and perfectly in sync with the film! I felt as though I had entered a dream for two hours and woke up with a happy sigh :) Keep up the great work. I will surely be back for another production in the near future."
—Tara, Delta

"I went to see this show with my husband and he cried 6 times and I did a few. It was a great act! Definitely a must see...I want to get my mom a ticket for Xmas and I'd love to go again."
—Lynda, North Vancouver

"What a great performance. This is a must see."
—Lisa, Langley

"I absolutely loved everything about the production. The actors were amazing, particularly the male who played George Bailey. I loved it so much that I sent my parents to see it!"
—Shannon, Langley

"An excellent performance and very good acting by all. A great festive thing to do. We started off with dinner at the Sandbar and ended with the play. It truly was a wonderful evening."
—Sandra

"Absolutely phenomenal! It was like watching the movie! Great production value and we really enjoyed the video integration. Simply put, the cast was amazing! Of course, Zuzu stole the show :) Thank you so much!"
—Justin, Vancouver

"Very heartwarming production. Loved the George Bailey actor."
—Dana, Delta

"I took the family (4 of us--2 parents, 2 kids ages 11 and 9) last Saturday night for a Christmas treat. I was unsure how the kids would like it. Wouldn't you know, they LOVED it. I have to say, it's the perfect presentation for the Christmas season, we all left feeling happy and upbeat. The actor who played George was outstanding, and Zuzu was of course adorable. A wonderful experience, can't wait to see Buddy Holly next!"
—Laura, Richmond

"We loved this play and we especially loved how they showed the original film in the background at times. The actors were all professional and we adored the children actors!"
—Teri, North Vancouver

"Nothing like a Christmas classic to get you in the holiday spirit. The whole family enjoyed it immensely. The weaving in and out of the original film footage significantly added to the richness of the performance and the set was spectacular!"
—Nancy, Vancouver

"Magical and inspiring!"
—Camila, Surrey

"Thoroughly enjoyed the play. Was particularly impressed with how part of the movie where played in the back as a back drop. Would recommend to anyone."
—Adriana, Surrey

"I was curious as to how they would manage to transfer the emotion in the movie to the stage, with limited resources. But to my surprise the whole production was fantastic. Had a great time. Keep up the great work. Thanks so much for a great night."
—Bernadette, Maple Ridge

"Being diehard fans of the film production it was with some skepticism that my daughter and I took our front row seats for the Arts Club's production of "It's a Wonderful Life" on Sat. We were relieved, delighted and impressed with the acting, staging and clever use of the original black and white film as occasional backdrop. Not a single favourite scene was left out, the kids delightful, and Clarence lovable. Atta boy, Arts Club; you've definitely earned your wings!"
—Pam, Vancouver

"A fabulous rendition of a holiday classic! I loved it, and especially enjoyed the little girl who played Zuzu - so cute!"
—Anonymous

"This show was so wonderful! My best friend and I went during our girls' weekend in Vancouver and both came away feeling so happy and joyful. We both cried and couldn't believe how well the show was cast...each character was portrayed by the PERFECT person! Little Zuzu was too adorable! Thank you for making our weekend extra special!"
—Stacy

"Just great. The acting was above and beyond what I expected. Thank you for helping me get in the christmas mood:)"
—Leanne, North Vancouver

"My wife and I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience - well acted, great sets and imaginative tie-in with the movie as a backdrop. Great entertainment."
—Ian, West Vancouver

"Excellent entertainment for the entire family with a moral story line that is on point and up lifting."
—Doug, West Vancouver

"Wonderful is right! Great casting, fantastic acting, lovely theme - just in time for Christmas and our 20th wedding anniversary."
—Myra

Praise for our 2007 and 2008 productions of It’s a Wonderful Life

"This has always been my favorite Christmas movie and I have to tell you that "You guys did a fabulous job" .I took 2 friends and they also really enjoyed it ..Special congrats to "Clarence."
—Anonymous

"I was as smitten with this stage production as I have ever been with the movie, which I watch every single Christmas! I didn't know if I could be convinced, as I love the movie so much, but it was totally convincing, and the clever use of props/screen/multiple roles was completely acceptable. The actors were excellent in their roles, which again, I wasn't sure I could view with different faces, but it all worked! I didn't mind the necessary omissions, or the many staging changes. The whole production had the warmth and charm of the original, and I would love to see it every year, as a new tradition!"
—Paula, Delta

"We thought the production was fantastic. The casting was seamless, and the backdrop fulfilled any absence of dialogue. What a nice way to start feeling Christmasy!"
—Pat

"The most amazing production. Incorporating the original movie clips with the live action made it the best production I have seen in a long time. The actor who played Clarence and the actor who played George Bailey were excellent. Well done!"
—Cathie

"The cast, the sets and how the movie came to life on the stage went way beyond my expectations, truly a play worth seeing! A standing ovation to all the cast members for a high energy production. So nice to see Clarence with his wings!!"
—Barbara, Chilliwack

"What a great evening! It is amazing that a show written in the 50's(?) is still seen around the globe to packed houses. We brought our kids, well 20 and 17, and they also enjoyed it. Saw many young people in the audience which was great to see. You should all be congratulated on a giving us the little extra Christmas spirit that some of us need to be reminded of once in a while."
—The Turners, Coquitlam

"We took our daughters, and one of their boyfriends to the show and we all agreed that it was a fabulous production, greatly exceeding our already high expectations! One of our daughters is an actor in LA, and her boyfriend acts as well as writes, and they were both very impressed by the clever way the old movie and the play were adapted and performed! Thank you for a memorable evening and a special holiday memory!"
—Lura, Vancouver

"It was an amazing production as it carried on the tradition!! My mind and eyes never drifted once and I would see it again in an instant!"
—Robbie, Chilliwack

"My husband, son and I loved the play and I thought using the original movie footage was a great idea. We all loved the bridge!"
—Heather, Surrey

"What an exceptional production! The acting was flawless, the script and stage production was brilliant. I brought my husband and two young children. The children both loved it. My husband who was originally a pessimist, walked out surprised how well it was performed. It blew us all away. We'll be back again soon! Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!"
—Janet, Vancouver

"It was an excellent production and the actor that played the guardian angel really made the show. Thank you for providing me with an excellent start to my own personal Christmas. See you again soon!!!!!!!!!!"
—Gitte, Surrey

"It's A Wonderful Life was a great way to start off our Christmas season. We had 15 of our family members from Chilliwack to Victoria meet at the Granville Island Stage to see the play. It was a very special day & the play was absolutely "Wonderful". We all loved how they incorporated the movie into the play."
—Sharon, Maple Ridge

"This production was probably one of the best we have ever seen! My husband and I have been to New York many times and seen alot of great plays but we felt the magic of this play to be one we will never forget. The creativity of the original movie with scenes of James Stewart, etc. in the background in black and white then implemented with the live cast was impeccably portrayed. We left the theatre with such a great spirit and the message the play sent was truly felt by all in attendance. We look forward to coming to many more plays at the Arts Club in the near future. Thankyou for giving us such a great experience."
—Debbie and Leen, West Vancouver

"Excellent production!! The acting was great. I brought my parents (in their 70s) and my 10 year old daughter...we were all entertained. The set designs and use of 'clips from the movie' were very clever."
—Nancy, Port Coquitlam

"We took our two girls ages 7 and 9 and they were entertained all the way through ! Definitely very close to the original if not almost identical!! Our girls really loved Clarence! We did too! Overall a great performance that paid great respect to the original show! Bravo!!"
—Sandra, Delta

"Our entire family LOVED "It's a Wonderful Life". I knew they would! My 10 yr old son was VERY unimpressed that I was making him go all the way to Granville Island to see a play that was going to be "boring" and where everyone was going to cry! Well, I knew if he just gave it a chance and saw it, he would love it. He did. I was very impressed and my husband was as well. My 13 yr old daughter loved it. As I had planned, it was a very nice way to spend Christmas Eve. We went home and watched the movie version on TV that night. The kids liked the play better. Thank you for a "wonderful" production. We will be back."
—Melanie, Langley

"Fantastic!, my husband and I stayed in town on Dec 22nd to take in the show. It definitely put us in the holiday spirit. At the end of the play I told my husband I actually had a few tears in my eyes. Even though I have seen the movie several times on TV, the play had a deeper impact on me."
—Colleen, Coquitlam

"Superb!!! Having watched the movie every year for nearly 40 years I didn't have high expectations. I was completely mesmerized and literally 'blown away' by the exceptional performances of the very talented group of actors. George Bailey, both young and old, was flawless. The sets and clever use of the movie as a backdrop added depth and reality to the play. I can't wait to enjoy another one of your most entertaining productions."
—Debbie

"One of the best adapted holiday treasures that I have ever seen!!
Loved the black & white film back drop, and the scenery changes were brilliant!!
Clarence stole the show, as well he should...Bravo!!"
—Avis, Victoria

"It was with a certain amount of trepidation that we attended the play, since the movie has been a personal and family favourite, and a "must see" movie every Christmas. We were delighted to see that the storyline was followed faithfully, while at the same time, great ingenuity was used to deal with scenes which are difficult to translate from film to stage. Just wonderful."
—Roy, Surrey

"It's a Wonderful Play! The casting was wonderful, the sets great especially the bridge and the background of the film, the extra touches (Potter meeting Clarence and seeing Clarence actually getting his wings) were lovely. When it was over, I said to my family - that was perfect! I hope you do it again next year, we will be there."
—Patty, North Vancouver

"We had a wonderful evening and thought that you guys were outstanding. The play was done sooooo well, we felt like we were watching the movie. Loved it and know we will be back to see more. We went last year to the Christmas Story and now this, can't wait to see next years. Thanks for a very special evening that we always remember."
—Christine and Nick, Vancouver

"My husband and I along with our son (age 18) and his girlfriend really enjoyed the production. We thought the sets were great and the main characters really strong. I loved Clarence!!"
—Bernadette

"Beautifully done! Stellar acting, thoughtful backdrops, and a lovely flow made this an enjoyable holiday experience. The actor playing the role of Clarence did an exceptional job in convincing us that he really is an angel!"
—Susan, North Vancouver

"Thought it was excellent, very well put together. It was my wife and I's very first play and we loved it..thank you so much. The actors were great!"
—Ruper, Surrey

"My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the production. We loved the way the actual movie footage was used in conjunction with the on stage actors and the acting was superb. Let's just say the tears in my eyes proved how much we appreciated the whole show. Thank you."
—Valerie, Langley

"It was absolutely amazing!!!! I don't remember when I saw a play as well done as this one. I thought I was watching a play in New York; the ultimate in praise!! Congratulations to everyone involved."
—Judith, Vancouver

"Very well done! Enjoyed the film clips, acting and story line. Very enjoyable, couldn’t think of anything that needs improvement"
—Christer, North Vancouver

"We loved every minute of this wonderful play. It was a delightful evening and such a perfect reflection of the season."
—Sherri, North Vancouver

"What a wonderful production ~ simple, yet effective sets were made even better by the onstage presence and chemistry of the players. The whole family loved it. Well done!"
—S., Vancouver

"Fantastic. Since I love the original movie so much I was afraid I'd be disappointed, but I wasn't disappointed at all. It was the perfect way to spend New Year’s Eve with a good friend. I hope It's a Wonderful Life will be showing next year!"
—Millie, White Rock

"Family thoroughly enjoyed it. Even my 17 year old Ipod infested son. Well done. PS I cried."
—Greg, Bowen Island

"Went to see the final performance with my girlfriend. It was kinda different going out to see a play and we had a lot of fun. The acting was great, particularly Clarence and Mr. Potter, and we had a great evening. Thanks Arts Club Theatre."
—Linus, Surrey

"It was wonderful. A faithful, but not slavish, adaptation of the beloved film version. The actors were all uniformly excellent."
—Oliver, New Westminster

"What a fantastic show! My fiancé and I came over from Victoria to take my parents to the play, and it was well worth the effort. We were all really impressed with the quality of the acting, and with the neat way the movie clips were incorporated into the show. Thanks for a wonderful day out!"
—Katherine, Victoria

"I thought it was wonderful! The actors were so good, sometimes it felt like I was actually there, feeling what they were experiencing. It was just great!"
—Susan, Langley

"It was great. Really enjoyed it. We liked the way the screen at the back was used in conjunction with the play. Hope you do it again next year."
—Karen, Langley

"Absolutely fantastic. My wife and I took both of our parents to see the show for Christmas and we had an amazing time. We will definitely come again!!"
—Glen

"Absolutely fantastic! So well done! Please bring it back next season. I'd see it again and have already recommended it to many who weren't lucky enough to see it this time around. I think it should tour, Christmas time or not."
—Virginia, North Vancouver

"Loved it. I liked the way scenes from the original movie were worked into the live production. Very clever."
—Jan, Vancouver

"I can't begin to tell you how amazed we were at your production "It's a Wonderful Life". It was the first production our 15 daughter has been to. Not seeing the movie, she was moved to tears at the end of your production. We loved the way you intergrated the old movie and the play together. The acting was far and above what we expected. Thank you so much!!"
—Julie

Blog Coverage

Introducing It’s a Wonderful Life 

It’s a Wonderful Life photo shoot

Interview with the director of It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s opening night for It’s a Wonderful Life

Artistic team

By Philip Grecian
Based on the classic film by Frank Capra
Starring Bob Frazer, Bernard Cuffling, Kirsten Robek, Alec Willows, with Eileen Barrett, Ashley Braun, Audrey Braun, Sasa Brown, Nikita Flynn, Rhys Jenkins, Kyle Jespersen, Eric Keenleyside, Brian Linds, Hrothgar Mathews, Kennedy Montano, Madelin Prekaski, Beatrice Zeilinger
Director Dean Paul Gibson
Set Design Ted Roberts
Lighting Design Marsha Sibthorpe
Costume Design Rebekka Sorensen
Projection Design Jamie Nesbitt
Sound Design Neil Weisensel
Stage Manager Pamela Jakobs
Assistant Stage Manager Sarah Pearson

Downloads

House Programme