It's a Wonderful Life

Inspired by the beloved 1946 film, this musical closely follows George Bailey’s journey from youthful dreams to midlife struggles, as he questions whether his life has made a difference. With cinematic scoring and dynamic staging, this adaptation brings fresh musical energy to the familiar tale while preserving the warmth, humor, and emotion of the original. A new holiday favorite for both longtime fans and newcomers.

It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern.

Show Times

Price: $30 each

Friday, December 6 — 7:00 pm

Saturday, December 7 — 2:00 pm

Saturday, December 7 — 7:00 pm

Sunday, December 8 — 2:00 pm

Friday, December 13 — 7:00 pm

Saturday, December 14 — 2:00 pm

Saturday, December 14 — 7:00 pm

Sunday, December 15 — 2:00 pm

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Meet the Cast

Location

The venue for the upcoming performance of It’s a Wonderful Life will be the Stars Auditorium at ImaginX, formerly known as Living Arts College in Wakefield. This state-of-the-art facility is sure to offer a fantastic experience for all attendees. We can’t wait for you to join us and enjoy this incredible performance in such a remarkable setting!

Stars Auditorium - Imaginx
(formerly Living Arts College in Wakefield)

3000 Wakefield Crossing Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614

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Wonderful Life Cast

Meet the Cast

Stephen Alexander (George Bailey)

Stephen is performing in his 2nd PoiemArtistry production! He attended University of the Nations, where he received a certificate in Audio Production. Stephen led music discipleship schools where he taught vocal performance, music theory and audio production. He enjoys vocal performance and won best vocal performance at Wakefield High School in 2007-2008. Stephen performed in Amahl’s and The Night Visitors at Meredith College in 2009. He is a full time Worship Pastor at Newpath Church in Raleigh.

Jason Bonilla (Ernie/Marty Hatch)

Jason is appearing for the first time in Poiema Arts. He is truly excited to be part of an amazing team who seeks to represent the Lord Jesus in everything they do. Jason is a licensed massage therapist, and has a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant. He was in the performing arts in New York for dancing. Jason truly enjoys serving within his church and challenging himself within the arts.

John Cashwell (Mr. Potter)

John is originally from NY where he graduated with a Bachelor of Vocal Performance from SUNY Purchase's Conservatory of Music. Reviews have stated “his tenor voice is remarkable for its great range, power, flexibility, and expressiveness." and “with clarity, perfect diction, and velvety texture, his voice is commanding”.

On the stage, Mr. Cashwell has performed such roles as Albert Herring in Britten's opera Albert Herring, Candide in Bernstein's Candide, Rinuccio in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, the Caliph in Wright and Forrest's Kismet, King Caspar in Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors, Captain Silvio in Bizet's Le Docteur Miracle, Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Boheme, Le Remendado in Bizet’s Carmen, Goro in Puccini's Madam Butterfly, Spoletta in Puccini's Tosca, Ruiz in Verdi's Il Trovatore, Matt in The Fantasticks, and Tom Harris in the international debut of Strange Fruits. Several of those performances were right here in Raleigh at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.

Mr. Cashwell won the GMA International Songwriter of the Year in Nashville TN and appeared as a singer on FOX 50’s “Gimme the Mike” television show. He also was featured in a showcase concert in Nashville during Dove Awards week, along with Twila Paris, Fred Hammond, and Cindy Morgan. He has enjoyed some fun years performing as a keyboardist with a former NYC-based progressive rock band. Venues included CBGB’s, The Bitter End, and Mercury Lounge. He recorded an album as a keyboardist with that same band at Electric Lady Studios. This year he had the thrill of singing on stage at the PNC Arena, with a select choir for Andre Bocelli’s concert.

Olive Coe (Ensemble)

Olive is performing her third show with PoiemArtistry. She has most recently been in Fiddler On The Roof (Ensemble) and White Christmas (2023). Olive has also been in Junie B. Jones (Gladys Gutzman, Ensemble), High School Musical 2 (Sharpette, Ensemble), Annie (Star-To-Be, Maid, New Yorker, Ensemble), The Little Mermaid (Carlotta, Unfortunate Soul, Sea Chorus), Radium Girls (Clerk, Dancer) at various theaters. She has 9 years of dance experience in several genres including, ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary. Olive has danced with several companies including Studio Poiema. She loves the arts as she also plays the flute and supports her local theater companies by going to see shows that are put on. In her free time, Olive enjoys babysitting, writing stories, running, baking, and taking pictures of the world around her. She is very thankful for Poiema as they have helped her grow in tremendous ways and she can’t wait to see what’s next!

Michael Dial (Uncle Billy)

Michael is performing in his 7th production with PoiemArtistry. His PA stage credits include: The Great Day (Vocal Soloist), Similitude: The Great Adventure Begins (Faithful), Seussical the Musical (General Gengus Khan Schmitz/Wickersham Brother), Titanic (J. Bruce Ismay), and Singin’ in the Rain (RF Simpson), White Christmas (General Waverly), The Miracle Worker (Stage Manager), Fiddler on the Roof (Motel). Michael recently graduated from Liberty University Online with a degree in Sports Management. He would like to thank his family for supporting him in everything he does, and his amazing voice teacher, Mrs. Lori Tomalonis, for stretching him vocally and believing in him. Good Sabbath!

Meet the Cast

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