A holiday crisis: a good man’s misfortunate leads his community to rally around him, thanks to the work of a ne’er-do-well angel. This December, Yavapai College Performing Arts invites you back to Bedford Falls for an inspiring reminder about each life’s importance, and how we depend on each other.

Directed by YC Performing Arts Department Director Dr. Craig Ralston, It’s a Wonderful Life features a stellar local cast. André Sylvester, who thrilled audiences as the title character in YCPAC’s 2019 triumph Phantom of the Opera, takes on the role of George Bailey, with Maya Traver as Mary; Dick Eckhart as the nefarious Mr. Potter; Greg James as Uncle Billy and David Salyers as Clarence, Angel Second-Class.

Adapted from the short story, The Greatest Gift, Frank Capra’s film It’s a Wonderful Life featured Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore and marked Stewart’s return to movies after service in World War II. The film premiered during the 1946 holiday season to a lukewarm response. But It’s a Wonderful Life found a new life on local television stations across the United States, which played it during the wee hours every December. Its story of hope and community built a devoted grassroots following that continues to this day.

The musical version, adapted in 2011 with music by Bruce Greer and book and lyrics by Keith Ferguson, brings Capra’s beloved story to the stage with an invigorating energy. YCPAC’s charming live performances and trademark musical set pieces give Bedford Falls, George’s youth and the harrowing alternate universe of Potterville a captivating dramatic punch.

It’s a Wonderful Life opens Thursday night, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., with a 7 p.m. show Friday, Dec. 17, and 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. performances on Saturday, Dec. 18. The show concludes with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Dec. 19. Tickets start at $25 for adults, with $10 youth tickets available.

All performances will be held at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center 1100 E. Sheldon Street, in Prescott.