Cast of It's a Wonderful Life

George Bailey lived by this doctrine. But like many of us, he began doubting the significance of his existence instead of proclaiming, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 

Beginning November 16th at The Prizery, you can travel with George and his guardian angel, Clarence, on a passage from despair to thanksgiving in Halifax County Little Theatre’s upcoming rendition of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Throughout the play you will travel with George Bailey, played by Andy Coe.  Though Andy’s only theatre experience was with an improvisational comedy group in college, his co-star, Devin Hall, is amazed that Andy already knows all of his lines. 

Devin Hall and Andy Coe

Andy finds many similarities between his life and George’s. “Both of us are married to beautiful and wonderful women who knew we should get married long before we did.  Also, we both have a lot of kids,” he says.  For Andy that means five children ranging in age from one to twelve years old. 

Though Andy has sacrificed time with his family, he actually auditioned for the play at his wife Joy’s encouragement.  Fortunately his son, Joshua, plays George’s son in the play.  Unlike George, Andy does not feel he has sacrificed his dreams for his family, friends, or the students he works with at Carlbrook.

Andy takes his responsibility as a father very seriously.  He believes children have needs that parents may have difficulty delivering.  Andy’s desire to succeed as a father has helped him develop patience, compassion, tolerance and understanding.  And though it is a lot of work to become the father he needs to be, the journey has made him a better person.

During the play, George imagines being in places bigger and better than Bedford Falls. However, after seeing the positive effects he has had on his town and family, he finally realizes that the “life he lived was better than the plans he dreamed,” says Andy. 
The “cute, bumbling” character who leads George in his meeting with destiny is Clarence, his guardian angel.  Devin Hall, who plays Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” says he remembers hearing the phrase, “every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings,” but he had not watched the movie until he landed the role in the HCLT play. 

Devin is no stranger to the stage with past roles in productions at Longwood University, Halifax County High School, and HCLT. Devin has played parts in “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Little Prince,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “MASH,” “Wagon Wheels A-Rollin’,” “Our Town,” “Diary of Anne Frank,” “13 Past Midnight,” “15 Minute Hamlet,” “The Adding Machine,” and “The Tempest.”

This will be Devin’s third play working with Melissa Peacock, the director of the show.  He says, “Ms. Peacock has a lot of love and care to give and makes you feel like you’re a bigger part of the play than you are.  She just keeps getting better.” 

Others may say the same about Devin who is not unfamiliar with doing good works.  When he is not wearing his angel wings, Devin is doing angelic things at Winns Creek Baptist Church.  He has been delivering children’s sermons for almost 10 years and traveling with the “mature seniors,” his guardian angels.

While the seniors are Devin’s whimsical inspiration for his character in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” his Mom is credited with passing on her keen sense of humor and positive outlook to her son.  However, if Devin ever needs a devoted fan, he knows his Dad will be the one he’ll hear in the crowd cheering him on.

When Devin is not on stage, you can find him entertaining everyone with Clarence-like humor at church, home, and at Camp Staunton Meadows.  You might even catch him spreading a little gossip along with laughter at Wal-Mart!

But if Devin could truly earn angel wings, he’d hear bells ringing for bringing hope and joy and health to those who have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS.  In the meantime, Devin will continue to “Walk to Defeat ALS” in Richmond, a benefit he has participated in for the last two years in honor of his friend David Cook. 

‘Tis the season for rejoicing with family and friends in thanksgiving.  Both Andy and Devin believe that you will see a cast of characters who have genuinely enjoyed being together, and are certain that you will come away with an appreciation for the people you love and for their unique contributions to your life and town.  Make it your purpose to join Andy Coe and Devin Hall when George realizes that it really is a wonderful life. 

The bells are set to ring tonight at 8:00 pm in the Chastain Theatre at The Prizery.  The show runs from November 16 through December 1.  Evening performances at 8:00 P.M. are November 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and December 1.  Afternoon shows are November 18 and 25 at 3:00 P.M.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at The Prizery in person, via telephone by calling 572-8339 during the day or 5 – 7 on Monday through Thursday evenings. 

Season tickets for Little Theatre’s “Life Out Loud” season can also be purchased now, and doing so saves you money from purchasing tickets individually for each production.  Season brochures can be found at both public libraries or at The Prizery. 

Photo Information:

1. 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.