Members of the cast include: front row(L to R) Sierra Nunn, Sara Noblin, Anna Clowdis, Micaela Berry, Olivia Noblin and Sarah Brogden. Back row(L to R) Alexis Reaves Tatianna Roberson, Tori Plitt, Elizabeth Brogden, Emily Hansen, and Mikaela Cook.

Few experiences in life can bring a smile to the face of many more than hearing and seeing children singing.  Though not always in the correct key or in perfect harmony, the simple joy of little faces pouring their selves into the task at hand is enough to make even a cold heart unthaw.                                                            

Making the masses smile is just one of the many things that the Children’s Ensemble is setting out to accomplish in Halifax County Little Theatre’s upcoming production of James Rodgers theatrical adaptation of, It’s A Wonderful Life.  

The tale of George Bailey, discovering just how wonderful life really is, has been a seasonal classic for generations.  The cast and crew of the show are thrilled to bringing this beloved story to life in the Chastain Theatre at The Prizery. 

The group of young ladies, ranging in age from seven to twelve, couldn’t be more excited about performing for the community.  Elisabeth Brogden, whose acting credits include HCLT productions The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and Children of Eden, wanted to be in the show because it’s one of the best Christmas stories around. 

“I auditioned because I love to sing, and because it’s one of the best Christmas stories,” she says.  Her younger sister, Sarah Brogden, says that she enjoys being in the show for all of the fun that she is able to have.  “I like being in the show because it’s fun,” Sarah says. 

Mikaela Cook agrees that meeting new friends among those in the cast is thus far the best part of being in the production.  Cook says, “I like to act a lot, but meeting new people is the most fun part.” 

Young Emily Hansen too agrees.  “I’ve been in Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and Children of Eden, but being with my friends is the best,” she says. 

“I like dressing up in costume.  I like costumes,” says Alexis Reaves.  However, the most popular response of what is most enjoyed is by far singing.  Anna Clowdis is among those who enjoy singing the songs.  “I like singing the songs,” she says.

Olivia and Sara Noblin, the other sister duo in the group, both like to sing as well.  Sara, in addition to liking the Christmas holidays, says, “I like singing a lot.”  Olivia on the other hand, loves the Frank Capra movie version of the story and has never been in a theatre show of this caliber before. 

“I auditioned because I had never done anything like this before, but wanted to do it,” she says. 

Micaela Berry, also making her Chastain Theatre debut, says that her parents are her inspiration.  “Basically my mom and dad have been in lots of shows, and I wanted to be in shows too,” Berry  says. 

“My mom found out about the auditions and wanted me to be in the show,” says Sierra Nunn.  Nunn, who likes the movie a lot too, showed up to the auditions and was given a part in the Children’s Ensemble.  

The show is a classic one says Tori Plitt, who was also in Children of Eden.  “It’s A Wonderful Life is an old classic show, and it’s a good Christmas movie,” says Plitt.

Tatianna Roberson believes that everyone should attend a showing of the production.  “People should come to see how good the actors are and to enjoy the play,” she says. 

The play, directed by Melissa Peacock, opens the HCLT season on November 16 and runs through December 1.  8:00 pm evening performances are November 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and December 1.  3:00 pm afternoon shows are November 18 and 25. 

Tickets can be purchased at The Prizery box office in person, via telephone by calling 572 – 8339 Monday – Thursday evenings from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, or on-line at www.hclt.org.   

If you wish to purchase a season ticket, buying into all four of the shows in HCLT’s 2007 – 2008 repertoire, brochures detailing the productions that HCLT is performing as well as cost information are available at the Halifax Library, South Boston Library, and The Prizery.