SHERMAN —  On a very cold, rainy and dark Saturday night last weekend, comfort and warmth for the weary holiday soul was being served up at Sherman Playhouse by way of a heartwarming production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, adapted by Philip Grecian. The movie is one of my all-time favorites, so I was excited to see the words played out as a live radio broadcast. I was not disappointed. The vivid imagery of the oft seen movie was evoked by the dialogue, yet the players on stage were charged with such energetic physicality and vocal range that they proved a worthy distraction.

For those who do not know the story line, it revolves around central character George Bailey, here portrayed by Dean Alexander. The tale begins with George in his darkest hour, considering ending his young life, after years of disappointment and struggle which he has gallantly met with grace.

George grew up with a loving family, in Bedford Falls, a bucolic Northeastern town. Despite his long held passion for travel and building, he falls in love with and marries a beautiful and adoring local girl, Mary Hatch (Stacy-Lee Frome). George settles in to build a family among those friends and neighbors who view him as a fixture of stability, maturity and intelligence.

His family grows amid the backdrop of World War II, for which he is not eligible to participate. His younger, dashing and athletic brother Harry (Chris Marker/Gabe Fowler) heads off to college and war, becoming a national hero in the process. George is left to manage the family business.  His constant nemesis is a mean, old, wealthy malcontent named Mr Potter (Steve Manzino). George is constantly dogged by Potter, who views him as an irritating pest to buy or ruin.

Clarence (Steve Stott), an elderly, heavenly angel is dispatched to save George from the depths of despair. After 200 years in heaven and still no wings, if Clarence succeeds in getting George back on track, he will earn himself a set. In a life lesson for all, Clarence takes George back in time to make him realize the deep and profound affect he has had on his family, friends and entire community.

This is a wonderful story of how wonderful life is, despite all its trials and tribulations. Once George sees the impact he has had on the lives around him and how much he cares for those in his world, he understands the true value and meaning of his life. And Clarence earns his wings.

The large cast does an amazing job. Almost every player assumes multiple roles and their incumbent characterizations in this rich community of friends and neighbors.

In true radio show form the background sounds of inclement weather, train whistles, smooches and the like are all adeptly handled by Dan “The Soundman” Knowlton.

This is a play for all ages, imparting life lessons, humor and poignancy in equal measure. The talent on display is remarkable. This story of enlightenment is timeless. Come in from the cold for a heartwarming experience.

(Performances continue weekends until December 28, with Friday and Saturday evening shows, and Sunday matinees on December 14 and 28.

Visit ShermanPlayers.org or call 860-354-3622.)