Josh Whitfield is George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Gem Theater in Etowah, Tenn.Steffen Smith sought the spotlight. In the case of Chris Smith, the spotlight found him.
Four area men, including the two Smiths, are playing the iconic character George Bailey this month in the stage version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” one of the most beloved Christmas movies ever.
The play is being offered at the Gem Theater in Etowah, Tenn., and the Blue Ridge Community Theater in Blue Ridge, Ga. It just closed at the Walker County Community Theater in Rock Spring, Ga. A slightly different version is playing at the Tennessee Valley Theatre in Spring City, Tenn.
The role of George Bailey, the selfless, loyal, small-town businessman who has postponed his dreams so that others might prosper, was made famous in the 1946 movie featuring Jimmy Stewart.
Steffen Smith, who is playing the role at the Blue Ridge Community Theater, said he auditioned for the part.