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Shelley Osterloh ReportingThe movie, "It's a Wonderful Life", starring Jimmy Stewart, is a Christmas movie classic that, for many, defines the spirit of the holidays. Now a Utah Dance company is telling the story, in dance.
Bedford Falls, home of George Bailey who in small ways improved the lives of those around him. This is Odyssey Dance Theatre's world premier full-length dance production based on the classic holiday film. The show follows George through his younger years as he dreams of traveling to far off places, and as man who still dreams of far off places, all the while sacrificing his own dreams for the welfare of others.
The story and original choreography are a great showcase for the Odyssey Dancers, who are known for their many different dance styles.
Eldon Johnson, who plays George Bailey, says it's fun but challenging
Eldon Johnson: "It's a blast on stage because your emotions have to change in a split second. Your dance styles have to change in a split second."
The production is the vision of artistic director Derryl Yeager who says he was inspired by the story and original music and score from Emmy winner Sam Cardon.
Derryl Yeager, Artistic Dr. Odyssey Dance Theatre: "He is just an amazing composer and he came up with a brilliant score. It really tells tell the story and makes a bit of the moments in the show much more poignant and significant than it may have been in the movie."
Odyssey's production of 'It's a Wonderful Life' delivers the same powerful message in a new way.
"One thing that this show teaches you is that no matter where you are in your life, you are special, you are important, and you are doing something important; you are touching other people lives in very important ways that you may not know."
It's a charming new look at an classic holiday favorite. There are four more performances at Kingsbury Hall, including tonight and a matinee tomorrow.
