The Bailey family in the final scene of Davidson Community Players' production of "It's a Wonderful Life." See a gallery of photos by Bill Giduz below.

By MEG KIMMEL

For lovers of the holiday season, an annual viewing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is as central to celebrating the season as mistletoe and eggnog. Frank Capra’s 1946 film has become a seasonal media touchstone, like “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “The Nutcracker” or one of many of versions of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Playwright James W. Rodgers adapted the screenplay of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the stage, and director Anne Lambert has lovingly brought it to life at the Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre. A cast of 19 – imagine 19 actors in this tiny theater – recreates the fictional town of Bedford Falls and the challenges that face our hero, George Bailey.

Set on Christmas Eve, at a low point in George’s life, this is a story about the difference each person makes in the world, and its lessons—told through flashback episodes—are those of perspective, character, and human kindness. Film is the perfect medium for the flashback; editing, music and special effects effortlessly move the pieces around, and the whole comes together.

This adaptation is a faithful one, but theater is not film; there are no special effects to bring Jeff Ireland’s angel, Clarence, magically onstage. Here, hapless Uncle Billy (Bill Boyd), heroic brother Harry (Michael Kahn), and Zuzu (Lilly Beaver) and her petals are right there with us. Their story unfolds in three dimensions, with all its charm, confusion, perfidy, and joyful resolution. And magically or not, Clarence does appear and brings George Back from the brink of self-pity into the warm flow and holiday glow of his wonderful life.

While aficionados of the film will be on familiar ground, the texture of theater will bring a surprise or two. But never fear, Jimmy Stewart lovers. Ms. Lambert struck gold with Bill Mazzella (George Bailey), who must have jumped at the chance to play a part so suited to his tall, lanky frame and vocal elasticity. But Mr. Mazzella settles honestly into the iconic role and makes George his own.

His nemesis, Mr. Potter, is of equal mettle, delivered with oily relish by Ted Weiner, well known to listeners of WDAV-FM. When he chides George for catering to the “garlic eaters” in town, I felt the chilling force of Potter’s prejudice for the first time. And Kathleen Taylor’s Mary sparkles, giving George a good reason to stay in Bedford Falls.

That American towns large and small have hit hard times again brings a new wrinkle to a familiar story. Bank failures and loan defaults have new currency for audiences today. And for those who see this Davidson Community Players production, the story of Bedford Falls unfolds on a small stage in this real-life small town. Many of the actors who tell the story are our friends and neighbors; such tellers lend a sweetness to the telling.

And moving Bedford Falls from screen to stage brings a theatrical tap on the shoulder from another classic setting in American theatre, Grover’s Corners. Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” won its Pulitzer Prize in 1936, a few years before the Philip Van Doren Stern’s story, “The Greatest Gift,” inspired Capra’s film. There is a George at the center of each of these stories; there is a sweet and awkward teenage courtship that leads to marriage; and there are hard times.

SOLD OUT, WITH WAITING LIST

Although the run of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is sold out, the box office will take names for the waiting list and says there is always a chance for walk-ups. (There were a few empty seats the night I was there.) At the Armour Street Theatre, Dec. 10-12, 17-19 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. December 6, 12, 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.

WONDERFUL LIFE GALLERY

Photos by Bill Giduz. Click on any photo to launch the slide show.