It Could Have Been A Wonderful Life

A hilarious send-up of all things show biz, It Could Have Been A Wonderful Life is the story of failed stand-up comedian Phil Resnick, who leaves Hollywood for Syracuse, New York and a job at the local public TV station. While hosting a senior talent show – Star Search: The Next Generation — Phil finds the success that eluded him in California. But a comedian friend’s stardom in the network show What’s Up With That, America? causes Phil to think he’s a failure again. That is, until his guardian angel, in the guise of Jack Benny, shows Phil what his life would have been like had he stayed in Hollywood.

Fred Raker (Phil Resnick’s alter ego and a former writer for The Tonight Show) is considered by insiders to be one of the finest impressionists performing today. During the course of the play, Fred skillfully inhabits the body and soul of two dozen characters including Woody Allen, Jackie Mason and a host of others both famous and not yet famous. Some enjoy the play simply for its comic pleasures while others appreciate the serious undertone of a show that explores questions of identity and values in Hollywood.