top of page
It’s a Wonderful Life – The Musical
Book and Lyrics by Keith Ferguson
Music by Bruce Greer
Based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern
The Greatest Gift is used by permission of The Greatest Gift Corporation
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.
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.
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!
Naomi Dial (Ensemble)
Naomi is 25 years old and has been dancing for 19 years. To Naomi, dance is not only a gift, but a passion that God has given her. She is doing her best to glorify God through that gift, as well as share it with others. She has taught students of varying ages at a dance camp for 3 summers, as well as assistant and substitute taught at various dance studios. She is currently teaching technique classes at her church, where they perform choreographed dances on several Sundays throughout the year. She is also teaching Ballet 1 at Studio Poiema. Naomi’s PoiemArtistry credits include The Great Day, Similitude: The Great Adventure Begins, Seussical the Musical, Titanic and Singin’ in the Rain, and White Christmas 2022/2023, and Fiddler on the Roof. Poiema has been a blessing and a great growth opportunity both for her physical self and her spiritual relationship with God. She is so grateful to be a part of the Poiema family.
Jason Deramo (Bert/Ensemble)
Jason is performing in his debut production with PoiemArtistry. He is a published author, technologist, and content creator who enjoys diverse mediums to communicate stories. A former graduate of Manna University and a U.S. Army veteran, Jason enjoys mentoring young people to discover their highest calling and to harness their talents for the wellbeing of others.
Katy Eldred (Mayor/Ensemble)
Katy is delighted to be a part of It’s a Wonderful Life as Mayor/Ensemble. She first started on stage nine years ago with Benson Little Theater, later moving to Harnett Regional Theater. Her Poiema credits include The Robe, White Christmas (2022), Secret Garden, and Fiddler on the Roof. Katy is forever grateful to Poiema Arts and all they have done for her and the community.
Tom Farrell (Clarence Oddbody)
Tom is excited to be playing the role of “Clarence Oddbody” in his 6th PoiemArtistry production. He previously appeared in Similitude: The Great Adventure Begins (Mr. Legality), Titanic (First Class Stewart Henry Etches), The Robe (Pontius Pilate), Secret Garden (Ben Weatherspoon), and Fiddler on the Roof (Lazar Wolf).
Caroline Gossett (Ensemble)
Caroline is very excited to be performing in Fiddler on the Roof. After performing in White Christmas for the past two years, this is her third show with Poiema Arts. Caroline has also enjoyed being a part of the Broadway and Contemporary dance classes with Studio Poiema. She is an 8th grade homeschool student who enjoys singing, dancing, writing, drawing, reading, and caring for her cats, dog, and chickens.
Chelsae Green (Violet Bick/Ensemble)
Chelsae is honored to be part of PoiemArtistry and Poiema Arts, Inc. She has a B.A. in Dance Studies from Meredith College. For seven years, she was the Dance Director and Choreographer at North Raleigh Christian Academy. Some of her favorite and most memorable shows to produce and choreograph have been Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Secret Garden, Mary Poppins, Titanic, and Fiddler on the Roof. Chelsae and her family owned and operated a performing arts studio for 13 years before opening Poiema Arts in 2019. She has instructed hundreds of students in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, and musical theater. Chelsae is an ABT® Certified Instructor and has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive, Pre- Primary through Level 7, and Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She currently serves as a member of the Poiema Arts Board of Directors and Assistant Director/Choreographer for PoiemArtistry. Chelsae would like to thank the entire cast and crew for their dedication and making the Poiema vision a reality! Acts 20:24
Lyndsae Green (Tilly/Ensemble)
Lyndsae serves as a founding member and the Associate Dance Director and Choreographer for PoiemArtistry. Lyndsae has been involved in dance and theater since she was 13. She has appeared in many stage productions including White Christmas, The Wiz, The Great Day, Seussical the Musical, The Nutcracker Ballet, Titanic and Fiddler on the Roof. As an accomplished dancer, Lyndsae performs and instructs classes in tap, jazz, ballet, hiphop, and modern dance styles. She graduated from the Wake Technical Institute Culinary and Baking School in 2015 and works at local bakery, Edible Art. Lyndsae also owns her own baking and photography businesses which keep her very busy especially during wedding season. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Sarah Hargett (Mrs. Hatch/Bank Examiner/Ensemble)
Sarah started acting in 2006, and has been performing with Poiema since it began! She’s enjoyed being in the dance/acting ensemble many times and played a variety of unique characters too, including “Rita” in White Christmas, “Charlotte Cardoza” in Titanic, “Mrs. Medlock” in The Secret Garden, and “Diana” in The Robe. Her first starring role was this past April where she played “Anne Sullivan” in The Miracle Worker. She also performs with Field of Dreams Performing Arts, where she was “Miss Scarlett” in Clue On Stage, and “Audrey” in Little Shop of Horrors, and will be playing “Grandmama” in The Addams Family next spring. She’s grateful to the whole Green family for all the teaching, and the performing opportunities they’ve given!
Chichi Hay (Ensemble)
Chichi has been a part of Poiema since 2020 and has loved every minute of it! She has been a part of the Poiema Artistry Productions Similitude: The Great Adventure Begins, Seussical the Musical, Titanic, Singin’ In The Rain, White Christmas (2022/2023), Secret Garden (ASM), Godspell, and Fiddler on the Roof Chichi has also been a part of Studio Poiema and has taken tap, contemporary, hiphop, and acting classes. She is incredibly grateful for the Green family for all of their love, training, and encouragement. Chichi has really connected with them and the mission of healing and redemption that PoiemArtistry represents. She would like to thank her family for all of their unending love and support. And Chichi would especially like to thank her sister, who she is sharing the stage with, for all of her love, friendship, and cheerleading!
Micah Hay (Ensemble)
Micah is excited to hit the stage for his fifth production with PoiemArtistry! From playing a “Cadet” in Seussical the Musical to embodying “Jack Thayer” in Titanic, stepping into the role of a haunting “Dreamer” in The Secret Garden, and bringing “Percy” to life in The Miracle Worker, Micah has been loved every moment of the journey. Now, he’s excited to be part of the ensemble for It’s A Wonderful Life, stepping into the role of Potter’s Goon. Beyond performances, Micah has honed his craft with Studio Poiema, diving into tap, mime, theater, trumpet, and music theory. Above all, he’s passionate about his faith and grateful for the Christ-centered atmosphere at Poiema, where he continues to sharpen his theater skills to glorify God in every production.
Rebekah Hay (Ruth Bailey/Ensemble)
Rebekah is performing in her 10th show with Poiema, and is incredibly excited to be back onstage for It’s a Wonderful Life. She is currently in her junior year at NC State University, studying Biochemistry, but has always had a love for dancing and performing. Performing with Poiema has allowed Rebekah to discover parts of herself that would never have been seen otherwise, and has strengthened her spiritually, and relationally. She would like to thank the Green family for pouring into her love of the arts, and her sisters, Chichi and Patti for always inspiring and encouraging her to do things outside of her comfort zone.
Christianna Hellwig (Mrs. Martini)
Christianna is a singer, violinist, and music instructor in the Raleigh area. She holds a Master in Music degree from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and her most recent appearance on stage was in the role of “Pamina” in the University’s production of The Magic Flute. Christianna works as a private writing tutor during the day to provide suitable cover and funds for her secret life as a composer, singer, writer, and lover of all things true and beautiful.
Elliot Hellwig (Mr. Martini)
Elliot is making his Poiema Arts debut. Growing up, he watched many musicals that shaped his love of art such as Mary Poppins, The Music Man, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Sound of Music, along with many others. Elliot went to film School at Living Arts Academy in Raleigh where he got a taste for the creation of art. He is now a videographer/photographer, and works with video production teams on big projects. In his off time, Elliot enjoys singing with church choirs, reading, and working on personal film projects.
He is excited to make his debut acting appearance, and is hopeful that God will use this show to touch the hearts and souls of many people.
He is excited to make his debut acting appearance, and is hopeful that God will use this show to touch the hearts and souls of many people.
Crystal Irvin (Shirley/Ensemble)
Crystal is thrilled to return to the Poiema stage. Shows include The Wizard of Oz (Glinda, the good witch), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), The Music Man (Ensemble). She has been a company dancer with Xclaim! 2011-2013, the ICEJ's Feast of Tabernacle International Dance Company 2009, Nativity! Birth of a King (off Broadway) 2018 - 2019 and many other dance productions. Crystal has also directed and choreographed and holds a BFA from The Ohio State University in Dance and Choreography. Crystal is incredibly thankful to her parents and sister for their support that allowed her to pursue her dreams of performing.
Abigail Jordan (Ma Bailey)
Abigail is delighted to return to Poiema Arts - thank you to the Greens and the whole IAWL creative team! Abby was most recently seen as “Sugar Lee Thompkins” in The Hallelujah Girls at Benson Little Theater, “Alaïs” in Neuse Little Theatre’s The Lion in Winter, and “Martha in Poiema's 2023 production of Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS: The Musical. She has worked with many other Triangle-area theaters including Harnett Regional Theatre, Solace Theatre, Cary Players, Forest Moon, Actor’s Comedy Lab, RLT, Towne Players of Garner, Sonorous Road, NRACT, and Bare Theatre. Thanks to her incredibly patient family for their unfailing encouragement and support - ILYMGB! Remember, y’all, "No man is a failure who has friends!"
Cece Lunceford (Zuzu Bailey/Ensemble)
Cece is excited to be making her debut with PoiemArtistry! She has performed for the last four years in Carolina Ballet’s Nutcracker as a truffle and party girl. CeCe has danced as a member of the Empower Dance Studio’s Jr. Academy since the age of 6 and has competed and medaled as a soloist and part of a duo and small groups. She has also performed in the ensemble in The Lion King and The Wiz with Empower Dance Studio. Over the summer, CeCe appeared as an actor, singer, and dancer in Holy Moses at a local
children’s theatre. She is grateful to her parents and the production staff at Poiema for
this amazing opportunity!
children’s theatre. She is grateful to her parents and the production staff at Poiema for
this amazing opportunity!
Chase Lunceford (Young Harry Bailey/Tommy Bailey)
Chase is thrilled to be participating in his first production with PoiemArtistry! Over the summer, he played a police officer and a member of the ensemble in Music Man with a local children’s theatre. Chase has performed multiple solos with his gospel choir and joined the Durham Children’s Choir in 2022. After training in voice and acting with Studio Poiema last year, Chase is excited to be putting his skills into practice on the stage! He would like to thank his parents and the amazing team at Poiema for this
wonderful opportunity.
wonderful opportunity.
Tyler Mastny (Sam Wainwright)
Evie McCleskey (Janie Bailey/Ensemble)
Evie is thrilled to be making her theatrical debut (if you don’t count playing the “Baby Elephant Bird” at 3 months old) with Poiema! She has grown up around the theater, and is excited to finally be a part of the cast! She would like to thank her Mom, Dad and Birdie for helping her practice her lines!
Tara McCleskey (Stage Manager)
Tara is delighted to be back working with the Poiema cast and crew! She always loves being backstage, but this show is especially exciting because she gets to work with her daughter on her first show! Some favorite past productions include: Titanic, Mary Poppins, Godspell and Fiddler on the Roof. Love to Matt, Evie and Birdie
bottom of page