B'way Update: Wonderful Live Radio Play

Andrew Rannells will play George Bailey
in It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.

The holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life continues its journey of conquering all media after film and TV with a Broadway version recasting the heartwarming story of George Bailey and his Christmastime redemption as a radio play. It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will begin a special limited holiday engagement at the Broadhurst Theater on Nov. 4 with an opening set for Nov. 18, running through Jan. 3, 2027. Tony winner Jerry Zaks will direct the adaptation by Joe Landry, based on the story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern which served as the basis of the beloved Frank Capra film (Screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Capra and Jo Swerling). 

The cast will be headlined by Andrew Rannells (Book of Mormon) as George Bailey, Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her, Smash) as Mary Bailey, Titus Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) as the Angel Clarence, Harry Hamill (LA Law) as Mr. Potter and others, and Lisa Rinna (Days of Our Lives) as Violet and others. 

The production which was first presented professionally at the Stamford Connecticut Center for the Arts in 1996, takes place in a 1940s radio studio complete with foley sound effects and holiday carols performed during commercial breaks. This adaptation has been subsequently presented on numerous regional stages.

"This story has touched the hearts of millions for generations, and I'm thrilled to now be bringing it to the Broadway stage this holiday season with this sensational cast of musical theater, television, and comedy greats," said director Jerry Zaks. "This production's unique format as a radio play calls back to the charm of a bygone era, while also folding in exciting surprises to thrill modern audiences, making for a memorable and joyful holiday experience for all!"

A scene from one of the many regional
productions of It's a Wonderful Life:
A Live Radio Play (Peterborough Players)