“It’s a Wonderful Life,” the iconic Christmas fantasy comedy-drama from 1946, takes to the stage in Deer Lodge at the Cutler Brothers Theatre on Friday, November 30th and runs through Sunday, December 16th.  The stage play is written by Philip Grecian and follows closely to the Frank Capra film that was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture. 

​The story follows young dreamer George Bailey (Kelly Cutler) on his quest to depart from his hometown of Bedford Falls, NY and explore the world.  The young man never receives his wish after his father Peter Bailey (Stuart Jewell) passes away and he is left to deal with the family business in Bailey Building and Loan.  After George meets, falls in love with, and marries the lovely Mary Hatch (Mariann Cameron) his adventurous ambitions seem to dwindle. 

On Christmas Eve in 1945 George’s partner at the Building and Loan, Uncle Billy (Tom Gomola), misplaces $8,000 and George is at his wits end.  After snapping at his family, George contemplates throwing himself off of a bridge but is saved by his guardian angel Clarence (Josh Pentland) before doing so.  George is shown a vision of what life would be like if he were never born and it encompasses the evil and cruel Mr. Potter (Kyle Gillette) taking over the entire town of Bedford Falls and renaming it “Pottersville.”  George returns home, now realizing that he really did have a “wonderful life.”

Other cast members in the show include the secretary Tilly (Elizabeth Cozby), young George Bailey (Louis Savalla), Mr. Gower (Jim Cameron), Mother Bailey (Kristen Huckaby), and many more.  Matthew Cutler, the youngest of the brothers, will take on the role of George’s younger brother Harry and the police officer Bert.  The cast tops out at 24 people.

​“It’s a Wonderful Life” runs November 30th to December 16th, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.  Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under.  Reservations are highly recommended and may be arranged by calling the box office at (406) 846-4096 or by visiting cutlerbros.com and clicking the “buy tickets” tab.  All showings will take place on the Cutler Bros.’ main stage at 301 Main in Deer Lodge.  Call the box office or visit the website for more information.    

Wednesday, November 21st at 8 pm will be the Cutler Brother’s 3rd annual “Turkey Trot” improv comedy show at the Cutler Theatre in Deer Lodge.  This year the Das Froot improv team with pair with Deer Lodge’s newest blue’s band “Cottonwood” to bring you a delightful evening of improvisational comedy, as seen on the show “Whose Line is it Anyways?,” and some soothing tunes to dance the night away.

The Das Froot improv team was founded ten years ago and has performed across the state at functions such as the Anaconda Chamber banquet, “Jester Fest” in Missoula, the HR convention at Fairmont, and many, many more.  The team itself is made up of 15 plus members and generally about 5 or 6 of them perform in each show.  Wednesday’s show will be performed by Kelly and Matthew Cutler, Jim Cameron, Zane Cozby, Stuart Jewell, and Jim Tilley. 

Improvisational comedy presents its audience with different games and scenes as they choose the suggestions and the performers act them out on the spot.  “We have a great team here in Deer Lodge,” said team member Kelly Cutler.  He continued, “It’s always interesting the suggestions we receive and what we can do with them.”

​Tickets for the 3rd annual “Turkey Trot” improv comedy show and “Cottonwood” band are $10 and may be purchased at the door.  “Cottonwood” will play a post-show performance and a no-host bar is available to customers.  Visit cutlerbros.com for more information.