‘It's a Wonderful Life' musical to play

Sparta - The First Presbyterian Church of Sparta will present five performances of the musical, It’s a Wonderful Life, Nov. 17 through Nov. 20. Based on the beloved 1946 Frank Capra film starring Jimmy Stewart, the two-act, Broadway-style musical production was written by Keith Ferguson and Bruce Greer in 2001. It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical follows the beloved movie closely, adding a charming musical score. Sparta Presbyterian’s Cathy McKay and Karen McEver team up again as “McDirectors” for their third major production in as many years. In 2003, the church produced Godspell and last year, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat. Dana Ziegler, of Ziegler Dance Studio in Vernon, provide the choreography for the cast of 35 students and adults. Bruce Piper of Hamburg is featured as George Bailey, with two of his children appearing in the roles of Peter and Zuzu Bailey. Accompanying the cast will be a 15-piece orchestra of students and adults from Sussex and surrounding counties. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. Friday and Saturday performances are dinner theater, catered by Ome Caterers. Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dinner theater tickets are $25; non-dinner shows, $13. Tickets are on sale now at the church at 32 Main St., Sparta. For information, call 973-729-6197 or visit online at www.fpcsparta.org.