A WONDERFUL LIFE: Character Breakdown

The age range listed with each character is the age the character should present on stage, not the age of the actor playing the role. 

*Special note: Though the characters in the piece are cis-gender, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming actors are encouraged to audition. 

All characters may participate in or observe moments of casual physical intimacy—such as hand-holding, hugging, placing an arm around another’s shoulder, or dance-related contact including lifts. All physical interaction will be rehearsed with clear communication, and participation in any moment of touch will be based entirely on the informed consent and comfort of the performers involved.

All characters, including the ensemble, could participate in or witness stage violence for the production.

CHARACTERS

Many of the below characters will be doubled and played by one actor.

Matthew - (male presenting) - an executive angel who guides the story. A mentor to Clarence.

Clarence - (male presenting) - A loveable Angel, Second Class, trying to earn his wings by saving George Bailey.

George Bailey - (male presenting)  The compassionate, conflicted everyman of Bedford Falls who repeatedly sacrifices his own dreams to run the family Building and Loan Company.

Tom Bailey - (male presenting) - George's father. A deeply moral, hardworking man who firmly believes that ordinary, working class people deserve a fair chance.

Milly Bailey - (female presenting) - George's resilient and loving mother who serves as a grounding maternal presence and pillar of the household.

Uncle Billy - (male presenting) - George’s sweet natured but scatterbrained uncle, his honest mistake threatens financial ruin for the Building and Loan Company.

Harry Bailey - (male presenting) - George's charismatic younger brother. He is an all-American athlete and military hero whose path to success contrasts George’s destiny of staying trapped at home. 

Ruth (Reynolds) Bailey - (female presenting) - Harry's wife. She is pleasant and personable. 

Mary (Hatch) Bailey - (female presenting) - George's sweetheart, later his wife and his rock.

Mrs. Hatch - (female presenting) - Mary's nosey mother, who wishes Mary would have stayed with Sam Wainwright instead of George.

Beth Bailey - (female presenting) - age 10-12  Georget and Mary’s Oldest Daughter

Tommy Bailey - (male presenting) - age 9-11  George and Mary’s Son

Zuzu Bailey - (female presenting) age 7-9 George and Mary’s Youngest Daughter who sweetly lets us know an Angel got its wings. 

Henry Potter - (male presenting) - Bedford Falls' wealthiest  and coldest citizen who uses greed and power to try and crush the Bailey Building and Loan Company

Harriet - (female presenting) - Potter's dutiful assistant

Accountant - Potter's accountant

Bert - a policeman who keeps the peace in Bedford Falls and knows everyone in town.

Ernie - a hard working cab driver who makes everyone who enters his cab feel like a friend.

Mr. Martini - owner of Martini's Restaurant, a passionate, hardworking immigrant whom George helps achieve the American Dream of owning a home.

Mrs. Martini - Mr. Martini's wife who is so thankful to George for making her American dream come true of owning a home.

Violet Bick - Mary Hatch's closest friend and the town’s vibrant and free-spirited flirt. 

Sam Wainwright - George's friend and highly successful rival, He thinks himself the prize that Mary lost by choosing George.

Dorothy Wainwright - Sam’s wife who is beautifully fashioned and clearly comes from money.

Karen Zimmer - the vibrant and entertaining M.C. at Harry's graduation dance

Mr. Carter - the bank examiner

Bob Hepner - owner of a luggage shop and a board member at the Building and Loan.

Ensemble (all genders) - singers and dancers for the production - supporting roles will be cast from the ensemble: Townspeople, High-School Students, Charleston Dancers, Angel Dancers, etc.