Vancouver, Canada: Interview with Erin Palm of 'It's A Wonderful Life: The Musical' in New Westminster, British Columbia
Damon Bradley Jang, Vancouver, British Columbia Canada Correspondent
As a new year and decade fast approach, we all have a bit of time to do some self reflection and soul searching. This very personal introspection is one of the main themes in ‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Musical’, a Jukebox Musical Adaptation by Peter Jorgenson and Patrick Street Productions. It’s the classic Jimmy Stewart film story most of us know and love.
Clarence, the Angel (Greg Armstrong-Morris) has been struggling for over 200 years to get his wings when he’s given the task of saving George Bailey (Nick Fontaine), a small town owner of the Bailey Building and Loan who, on Christmas Eve, considers throwing away his life. When Clarence shows George what the world would be like without him, he finally realizes just how wonderful life truly is.
Featuring classic musical standards like ‘Nice Work if you Can Get it’ (George & Ira Gershwin), ‘One Life to Live’ (Kurt Weill) and ‘Keep the Home Fires Burning’ (Ivor Novello) as well as traditional holiday carols, this ‘Wonderful Life’ reminds us, through story and song, just how wonderful life really is.
(For a full synopsis visit http://www.patrickstreetproductions.com/coming-up/)
I had the chance to chat with one of the show’s leading ladies, Erin Palm, about her take on her character and the production:
OSB: What is it about this timeless holiday story that resonates with people?
EP: The piece is a human story of how communities can overcome hardship by coming together around the holidays to help those who need it most, to support each other, and to celebrate life. The play touches on how faith can be a guiding light, but ultimately it’s in our own hands. Our daily decisions can create a positive ripple effect in the lives of people around us, even if we can’t see it or not.
OSB: What is one of your favourite onstage moments in the show?
EP: When George and Mary find out they are pregnant as it’s such a pure and intimate moment. It’s wonderful to share that joy with the audience.
OSB: What is on of your favourite backstage moments in the show?
EP: Backstage, I always do all of Jim’s choreography in ‘Nice Work’ until I have to go onstage. It’s such an honour to work with this legendary man. He’s an absolute inspiration.
OSB: The holidays can be a tough time for people. Many struggle the way George does in the story. What advice would you give to lighten their spirits?
EP: I think the truth is, the holidays can amplify troubles for so many people, especially those who struggle with financial hardship, lack of sense of family or community, and depression.
My advice is that if you or someone you know is having difficulty understanding their worth or is thinking of suicide, please, I urge you, to seek help. Reach out to your community, your friends and, if you are in the lower mainland, here are some resources:
https://crisiscentre.bc.ca; https://youthinbc.com/about-us-2/contact-us/; https://heretohelp.bc.ca
OSB: Tell me who Mary Bailey is to you.
EP: She is a woman who finds joy in the small pleasures in life. She works for the happiness and well being of her community. She is a rock to George. She is strong in her convictions. She really fights for what she wants in her life. She’s grateful for the life she’s created. I also love her sense of humour.
OSB: This is the remount of the show after performances at the Gateway. Were there any modifications to the show or set?
EP: The show has several new cast members who are all so incredibly talented. They bring new life to the work. Peter Jorgensen has choreographed some of the scene changes in such a beautiful way. In revisiting the piece, we were able to add depth and detail to the work.
OSB: Your voice is so lovely and lends itself to this style of music so well. Do you have a favourite song to sing from the show?
EP: THANK YOU. You know, I delight in singing all of them. I love good duet and singing with Nick Fontaine is a treat. I love the journey that we get to make in the song ‘Isn’t It a Pity?’ Time stops just for George and Mary and it’s such a perfect MGM musical theatre moment.
OSB: Fun fact, readers. Erin and I actually went to Musical Theatre school together, and this year is our 10-year anniversary from graduation. Is there any advice or words of wisdom you would give to third year Capilano University MUTH (Musical Theatre) graduating?
EP: Go out for every opportunity and join Equity when it’s offered to you. Refuse to let anyone put you in a box or type cast you. You deserve to grow and to work in the industry.
OSB: Finally, what is a ‘Wonderful Life’ to Erin Palm?
EP: A ‘Wonderful Life’ is knowing my privileges and having gratitude for all that the universe has gifted me and using that knowledge to lift others up along the way. No person is a failure who has friends.
Patrick Street Productions presents THE NEW CLASSIC MUSICAL ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ based on the screenplay by Frank Capra with adaptation by Peter Jorgensen. Arrangements and orchestrations by Nico Rhodes with songs by the Gershwins, Kurt Weill and more.
The production runs to January 5, 2020 at the Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia, New Westminster, British Columbia.
Tickets: https://ticketstonight.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=4093.
Photo of members of The Company courtesy of David Cooper.