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Director’s Note

It’s a Wonderful Life is often revered as a holiday classic, but digging into the text, characters and incredibly relatable life events reveals how it became such a classic. At its core, it tells the truth. 

This story tackles not only George Bailey’s own mental health journey, but as he sees “a world without him”, we see the struggles of so many around him. Who would think that something like housing stability could change the longevity of one’s marriage? Without a lending institution willing to work with people, who could see that people would give up and lose hope?

We can never know where our lives may lead, and we are remiss to believe we have much control over directing its course. But as George discovers, sometimes the dreams you want to build do happen—just a bit differently than we imagine. 

The greatest truth mentioned in the story is the one that brought this production to life: “No man is a failure who has friends.” Without the dynamic and flexible cast, talented and generous editing team and kindness of so many others, none of this would have been realized. We can never say it enough: thank you. 

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Tim Schuerger (He/Him/His)

George Bailey and Young George

I would like to dedicate this performance to my older brother, Steve, my own personal George Bailey. As a child, I wanted to be just like my big brother. Video games, band, choir, theater, even math! Everything I do, I learned from you. Thank you so much bro, my forever Player 1.

Katie Rotuno (She/Her/Hers)

Mary Hatch Bailey and Others

Katie is thrilled to be back on stage after a 2 year hiatus! She was last seen as a featured ensemble member in True North’s in -concert production of “Sweeney Todd” in October of 2019. Past favorite roles include Marmee in “Little Women: the musical”, Mrs. Phagan in “Parade”, Dragon in “Shrek: the musical”, El Gallo in “The Fantasticks”, and Uzo/By My Side in “Godspell”. Offstage she is a music ministry team member at Saint Dominic’s Church in Shaker Heights, and Account Coordinator at Covermymeds. She also enjoys spending time with her 2 cats, and her boyfriend John. Thank you to Doug and Sarah Lynne for bringing this production to life. Thank you to the cast for your energy. Thank you to the audience for supporting this amazing cause and for supporting live theatre!

Kevin Cline (He/Him/His)

Freddie Fillmore and Others

I’m overjoyed to be a part of this production! Especially this year. This show deals with mental health. I’m no stranger to those struggles. Depression and anxiety have knocked me flat more than once over the last couple of years. Thank goodness I have my parents and sister, along with several friends, who encouraged me to get help. It’s still a struggle that continues to affect many aspects of my life. I continue to fight by working with my doctor and therapist to get the right combination of medications and coping methods. My parents, Barb and Charlie, have been my guiding lights on how to live life, how to be a good person, and to always treat people with kindness and respect. They’ve also been my biggest champions when it comes to doing theater. I didn’t even step on a stage until 2014! It was the best decision I ever made. I’ve met so many people that became my family and I love them all so much. They’ve saved me in more ways than I can express. Never be afraid to reach out for help, nor be offended when someone asks if you need it. You are not alone.

Rosa Gadsden (She/Her/Hers)

Clarence/Mr. Gower & Others

Rosa started singing from the age of four but acting didn't happen until she was grown with kids. She started out with the MAD Factory in "Starmites" and has done a show almost every year since. Rosa is very happy to be onstage again after the "calamity "!

Lisa Hirzel (She/Her/Hers)

Joseph/Others

Lisa is so excited to be a part of Theatre Agápe's first Christmas Show! Lisa is a lifelong Clevelander, and after 28 years in the music classroom, recently started a new career coordinating the music programs for Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School. Married to Tim, and they have 4 adult children and 1 pitbull Lolly. Outside of theatre and music, Lisa enjoys traveling and knitting.

Jen Justice (She/Her/Hers)

Mr. Potter/Violet Bick/Others

I would like to acknowledge every soul that ever felt as though all Hope was gone. You do matter. You are loved. You are here for a reason. Please know that life can be wonderful. Surround yourself with loved ones and individuals that inspire you to make every day count. And as ever, to my Mom. Deepest love always.

Patrick Hanlon (He/Him/His)

Uncle Billy/Others

He is an expecting first time father to a beautiful little girl in June 2022. He lives on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie with his partners Braelin and Robert, his dogs Beth Motts and Duke, and his kitten Adelaide. Their endless love and support is the fuel he has even when he's running on E. He is passionate about building community through the arts and dreams of opening his own theatrical space in the future. He is honored to join Agápe in their mission of accessibility and hopes you enjoy the show. He leaves you with a quote to get you in the holiday spirit. “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas but if the white runs out, I’ll drink the red.”

Alex Craig (He/Him/His)

Harry Bailey/Others

Alex couldn't be more pleased to be performing with this talented cast. Alex is a local actor, sketch comedy writer, and youth theatre director. He has appeared in many shows in the NE Ohio theatre scene including: Rocky Horror Show (Frank-N-Furter), Legally Blonde (Emmett), Mary Poppins (Bert), and Shrek (Donkey).

Sarah Lynne Bailey (She/Her/Hers)

Co-Director

By now, many people have heard how my story about wanting to start a theatre. But that’s not my only story. When I was pregnant with my second son, I was excited to keep our family growing, I was settled in what I was doing in my life, and I was terrified it would all change. A graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College, Sarah Lynne has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a focus in Arts Management. She has directed drama department productions for Chagrin Falls High School and is a guest teacher at the Academy for the Performing Arts in Chagrin Falls. She also assistant directed many productions with Mighty Goliath. Outside of directing, Sarah Lynne was a teaching artist for the Kids Love Musicals! program with The Musical Theater Project. Additionally, Sarah Lynne has worked as a stage manager across Northeast Ohio, having previously served as Resident Stage Manager for Dobama Theatre and Cleveland Public Theatre. She has also worked with Blank Canvas Theatre, The MAD* Factory and many more. Now it is her personal mission to find the balance between both of her passions: be an effective parent and artist. And hopefully help pave a way for others to follow.

Douglas F. Bailey II (He/Him/His)

Co-Director

Douglas F. Bailey II Is and award-winning stage actor and director in Cleveland. Outside of theatre, this father of three counts himself among the nerdiest of dads out there. He’s excited and grateful to be creating this labor of love alongside his Love, Sarah Lynne.

Supporters

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