'It's a Wonderful Life' Auditions at James McCabe Theater

Auditions for the stage musical version of It's a Wonderful Life are set for Sept. 17, 18 and 20 at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico.

The show is being staged by the Village Players under the direction of Gail Pierce, who called the show, "probably one of the most endearing shows out there."

"This is mine, this is my show," Pierce said about her attraction to the stage musical, which is based on the beloved Frank Capra movie of the same title, featuring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, the man from Bedford Falls who learns in his darkest moments the saving grace of having touched so many lives.

The film was inspired by The Greatest Gift, a short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern.

"The show is about believing, that anything is possible as long as you believe," Pierce said. "That against all odds, a simple truth prevails."

Auditions are set to begin at 7:30 p.m. at the James McCabe Theater in Valrico, at 506 Fifth St. Audition dates are Sept. 17, 18 and 20.

Needed are at least 20 cast members from child to senior citizen. The youngest cast member is Susan, "whose age in the show is 7 or 8, but we can go as high as 10," Pierce said.

Cast members will commit to performing seven shows: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 8:15 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.

For information, call the Village Players information line at 813-643-8292.