Photo Flash: First Look at IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at Houston Grand Opera

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) continues its cycle of holiday operas with the world premiere presentation of It's a Wonderful Life by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer, now through December 17. This timeless tale follows a troubled banker whose guardian angel teaches him the lesson of realizing the lasting impact our lives can have on those around us. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The 1946 Frank Capra film It's a Wonderful Life has become synonymous with the American holiday spirit. The basic plot from the film remains the same in the opera-it t is Christmas Eve, and an angel is assigned to help a human being, George Bailey, who is so despondent that he is planning to take his own life. In a departure from the film, the action in the opera takes place from the perspective of the angel, named Clara, who will finally earn her wings if she helps George. Complete with a quartet of flying angels who assist Clara, four big dance numbers, sweet and beautiful music, a feathered turbo booster that stops time, and a sing-along at the end of the opera, It's a Wonderful Life is perfect for children and families.

It's a Wonderful Life will be the Heggie/Scheer team's third commission from HGO and Heggie's sixth world premiere conducted by HGO Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers. In this production, tenor William Burden takes the lead as George Bailey, with soprano Talise Trevigne as Clara. HGO Studio alumna Andrea Carroll will sing as Mary Hatch Bailey and fellow HGO Studio alumnus Joshua Hopkins will sing as Harry Bailey. Henry F. Potter/Mr. Gower will be sung by Rod Gilfry. Leonord Foglia will direct. Sung in English with projected text.

Also the creative team are: Composer, Jake Heggie; Librettist, Gene Scheer; Conductor, Patrick Summers; Set Designer, Robert Brill; Costume Designer, David Woolard; Lighting Designer, Brian Nason; Projection Designer, Elaine McCarthy; Sound Designer, Andrew Harper; Choreographer, Keturah Stickann; and Chorus Director, Bradley Moore.

Tickets cost $28-$117 and are available to purchase online at HGO.org or call 713-228-OPERA (6737). Performances take place at Wortham Theater Center's Cullen Theater, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002.

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

Houston Grand Opera's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE