Chris Hart will portray Frank Capra

Chris Hart will portray Frank Capra, director of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” at the Dover Public Library Monday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” was based on a short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern titled “The Greatest Gift,” which narrates the story of George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart in the film, who, in helping others, has given up on his own personal dreams.

On Christmas Eve, just as George is about to surrender to his despair, his guardian angel Clarence Odbody appears. Clarence shows George how he has had a positive influence on the lives of his wife Mary and the entire community of Bedford Falls.

Hart combines two areas of personal interest — history and storytelling — to bring to life numerous historical and literary characters.

Over the years Hart has written monologues and portrayed more than 50 characters, ranging from Cy Young, to Ichabod Crane, to Peter Daley, a Titanic survivor.

Hart serves as adjunct faculty and guest lecturer at several universities in Ohio. In addition, Hart has served as program development manager at Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton.

Hart uses his acting talents at local community theaters and in two murder mystery troupes. He has participated in the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee and in the National Park Service in Pennsylvania, including Gettysburg.

The Tuscarawas County Historical Society recently awarded Hart the Zeisberger Heckewelder Medal for outstanding contributions to local history.

This program will be held in the community room at the Dover Public Library, 525 N. Walnut St., Dover. Register online at www.doverlibrary.org or call the library at 330-343-6123.