FLEMING ISLAND – It’s a holiday tradition in my family to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” while gift-wrapping before Christmas.

It’s a movie I grew up watching from a young age, even if it took a few years to warm up to the black-and-white picture and even longer to truly appreciate the film’s sentiment.

Although understood now to be a classic American film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” initially received mixed to mediocre reviews when it was originally released in 1946. The expiration of the film’s copyright allowed it to be broadcast freely on cable, allowing its story to be appreciated by a new generation. It’s a timeless treasure that stands out among many cynical, gritty movies and shows released today.

Seeing the Island Theater’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 22 live on stage (and in color) brought another level of personal appreciation.

It was clear that the cast shared my same reverence. Every actor and actress on stage conveyed energy, emotion and personality that brought Bedford Falls to Clay County. This was Morrigan Lee’s first production she directed, and her keen vision was exemplified on stage.

“It’s my favorite story, but my second favorite Christmas story – second only to ‘Die Hard,’” Lee said.

“The actors and actresses made it so easy for me. They’re insanely talented. It was so rewarding to work with such an amazing cast. It was a crazy mix of excitement and nervousness.”

Michael Flynn played George Bailey, the lead role. The play begins with George lamenting how he never achieved the dreams from his youth while despairingly considering he would be better off dead than alive. George sacrificed his dreams for the sake of others in his community.

“I can relate to the story a lot as a father,” Flynn said. He continued.

“My father was the same way, too. Sacrificing your own goals to make the lives of others better is not always easy. The story resonates with me.

“I lost my father in a similar situation (to George’s father). I’m thinking about my dad the entire performance. It’s easy to channel those emotions.

“It’s one of my favorite movies. I watch it every year. It is such a blessing to bring this to so many wonderful people,” Flynn said.

Scott McLean played Mr. Potter and conveyed a menacing presence on stage. Mr. Potter’s cane was an intimidating focal point in the production, and it was creatively added to the script.

“(Mr. Potter) is in a wheelchair in the movie. We found that a cane just worked better and had more avenues of expression for the role.

“It led to slow entrances. I don’t like slow scene transitions, but I had to stay committed,” McLean said.

Honestly, the cane’s methodical “click, clack” as he approached further added to the suspense. In one impressive scene, Mr. Potter used his cane to lift George’s chin up to face him. Mr. Potter’s cane was such a seamless inclusion and a profound symbol of how material wealth merely serves as a crutch to life’s meaning.

Indeed, the highlight of the production was the onstage chemistry and rivalry between George Bailey and Mr. Potter, both representing different definitions of “wealth.”

Mr. Potter exudes financial abundance. His success in business allowed him to acquire nearly the entirety of Bedford Falls. Only caring about the bottom line, Mr. Potter is a man who owns the town, even though he admits that the whole town hates him.

“That’s OK, because I hate them, too,” he said, which garnered laughter from the audience.

On the other hand, George has a wealth of personal relationships. He has lived with a moral duty to stand for the betterment of his community, even at immense personal sacrifice. While he didn’t set off on the path he originally thought for himself, he discovered a newfound appreciation for where he ended up and the people he helped along the way.

In the narrative’s emotional climax, Harry, played by Chris Burns, offers a toast to his brother:

“To George Bailey, the richest man in town.”

The message of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is accentuated during the Christmas season, but it affirms a truth that can be held throughout the whole year. It is through serving others that we realize our own potential. It is through acts of charity that we are enriched. It is with our family and friends that we find meaning.