By Gary Wien, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 12/20/2017
Imagine being able to experience “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the very first time again.
Chances are you’ve seen the Christmas classic so often you can recite most of the movie by heart. It’s on television so much during the holidays that it’s easy to take the film for granted. But thanks to the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, you can enjoy the story in a brand new way with “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.”
The classic tale follows the troubles of George Bailey on Christmas Eve after his Uncle Billy loses $8,000 meant to be deposited for the Building & Loan. Realizing that he will be held responsible and is likely to go to jail, George begins to think that he is worth more dead than alive. He is ready to end it all when a guardian angel named Clarence comes down to Earth to show him what life would be like if he had never been born.
On stage now through December 31, the live radio play (adapted by Joe Landry) takes you into the world of a 1940s radio station where a group of actors and technicians have gathered to perform a live broadcast of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” You get nine actors representing more than 40 roles, commercials from the era, Foley sound effects and the lines you know by heart coming from strange, new voices.
“What I discovered in rehearsal is that you hear the story in a very different way when it’s not the voices you’ve grown up with,” said Doug West, who directs the production. “It’s like you’re favorite song. You don’t even think about it; you hear the lyrics and the song just clicks for you until you hear somebody else cover it and then you might hear a lyric a different way or catch a moment differently. In my opinion, it’s the same thing with this play and this story. It’s hearing it with a group of actors on stage who aren’t the people you grew up listening to. You catch different portions of the story than you might normally catch after popping in the DVD at home.”
West admits that many times when the movie is on, he finds himself watching sort of on autopilot. “I put it in, the film starts, I get this warm, fuzzy feeling, then a bell rings and it’s over. So, to actually listen to it live and to be in the room with it has been a really interesting experience.”
While a few movie theaters still show “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the big screen each Christmas, most people watch the film alone or with a few members of their family or friends. The experience of seeing it in a group setting adds to the story’s magic.
“I’m often surprised by how moved I am by the story in a different way than I am by the movie,” added West. “It may just be because I’m used to the movie, but seeing human beings in front of you interacting hits you in a different spot than seeing them on the screen sometimes does.”
Nowadays, “A Christmas Story” is played around the clock, but for many years “It’s A Wonderful Life” was seemingly always on television. West jokes that he remembers being able to hop from channel to channel – seeing it in black and white on one channel, color on another, and even hearing it in Spanish on a different channel. It became such a Christmas tradition that it was part of several classic “Saturday Night Live” skits featuring Dana Carvey using his James Stewart impersonation in hilarious fashion as the show made fun of how the film was always on television.
Part of the fun with this radio play is being able to hear the story in a form we rarely see in America anymore. Theatre was often performed live during the golden age of radio and special broadcasts like Orson Welles’ “The War of the Worlds” provided a unique experience throughout the country. It’s an art form we that has faded over the years, but one that is very unique.
“I’d love for everybody to come and see it twice – once with their eyes open and once with them closed!” said West, noting that the Foley sound effects add so much to the story.
There are many reasons as to why the film has stayed so popular six decades after its initial release. People love the characters, the small town charm of Bedford Falls, and the overall message that every life is important and affects more lives than they will ever know.
“’It’s a Wonderful Life’ has been a part of my holiday tradition for years,” said West. “We’ve assembled a fantastic cast and creative team for this production, and I’m very excited at the idea of sharing this iconic holiday tale with our audience.”
The production stars John Keabler as George Bailey, Susan Maris (Mary Hatch), Andy Paterson (Clarence Oddbody), John Ahlin (Mr. Potter), Tina Stafford (Ma Bailey), James Michael Reilley (Billy Bailey), Javon Johnson (Joseph), Elizabeth Colwell (Violet Bick) and Russell Sperberg (Harry Bailey). Warren Pace, the sound technician at the theatre, provides the live Foley sound effects throughout the show. The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre was transformed into a 1940s radio station by the creative talents of Scenic Designer Charlie Calvert, Lighting Designer Matthew Adelson, Costume Designer Natalie Loveland and Sound Designer Steven Beckel. The Production Stage Manager is Kathy Snyder.
Performances take place in the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre (36 Madison Avenue) in
Madison, NJ. For more information, visit www.shakespearenj.org.
PHOTOS BY JERRY DALIA
About the author:
Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of
Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and
Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station
The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at
lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at
[email protected].
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/when The Rainbow Is Enuf,
Sunday, November 08, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJDunbar Repertory Company presents Ntozake Shange’s
FOR COLORED GIRLS Who have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, the groundbreaking “choreopoem” – a spellbinding collection of vivid prose and free verse narratives about and performed by Black women. Directed by Darrell Lawrence Willis, SR.
Fellowship For Performing Arts Presents C.s. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters
Sunday, November 08, 2026 @ 3:00pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJA battle is being waged for your soul from an office in hell! Witness a fast-paced, tour-de-force performance in this acclaimed adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ satiric masterpiece. This international hit offers a faithful stage adaptation of Lewis’
The Screwtape Letters, following Screwtape, a senior tempter in Hell, as he schemes to capture the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth and reveals spiritual warfare in vivid, humorous and powerful ways.
Lewis Center For The Arts Presents "oratorio For Living Things"
Sunday, November 08, 2026 @ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJInfusing a classical oratorio with blues, gospel, jazz and soul, this musical and visual journey investigates human experiences of time and memory alongside powerful physical forces that shape the universe. Our exploration emphasizes the significance of the ritual of gathering for live performance in an increasingly screen-focused world.
Featuring the students of the Lewis Center as the cast and crew, this production is the first non-professional performance of this important new work which premiered in 2022 in New York City to great critical acclaim.
Directed by visiting Iranian artist and director Nikoo Mamdoohi, with English to Latin translations by Greg Taubman, Princeton Class of 2006, the professional team includes music direction by Emma Sway, music supervision by Solon Snider Sway, set design by Afsoon Pajoufar, lighting design by Kelley Shih, sound design by Kay Richardson, costume design by Keating Debelak, choreography by Sariel Golomb, and stage management by Milan Eldridge, Princeton Class of 2020. Juniors Lota Alagbe and Peyton McLaughlin serves as dramaturgs.
George Street Playhouse Presents Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two-woman Show
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJWritten by and starring
Vicki Lawrence Two Performances Only
Vicki Lawrence, the legendary actress, comedian, and singer, brings her signature wit and charm to the stage in Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show. Best known for her iconic role as Thelma Harper, or "Mama," from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama’s Family, Lawrence delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance that takes audiences on a journey through her extraordinary career. From her Emmy-winning years alongside Carol Burnett to her chart-topping hit, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” she shares behind-the-scenes stories, comedy, and music—all with her trademark humor. Whether reminiscing about her Hollywood adventures or embodying the feisty Mama, Lawrence proves that laughter is timeless.
Kean Department Of Theatre Presents "the Drowsy Chaperone"
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJMusic and lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
EVENT PREVIEWS
Center Players presents "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play"
(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Center Players presents It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play with four performances across two Sundays (November 8 and November 15, 2026). Performances are split between the American Hotel and Mattison Crossing.
Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026
(HAMPTON, NJ) -- Hunterdon Hills Playhouse presents Christmas at the Playhouse 2026 from November 10 to December 20, 2026. Celebrate the season with this spectacular holiday production filled with the music, memories, and traditions audiences have cherished through the years.
Ferrell Studios presents "Carrie, the Musical"
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios presents Carrie, the Musical at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center from November 12-15, 2026. Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, the musical poses the question: What happens when someone is pushed too far?
Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival presents "Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman"
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Fringe Festival continues with Ghost Dance: Picture of a Madman, a captivating one-woman play written and performed by Erica Knight. Running November 12–15, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University. The production explores the turbulent life and legacy of Ralph Albert Blakelock, one of America's most celebrated yet tragically overlooked nineteenth-century painters.
Fool Moon Theatre Company presents "Love, Loss, And What I Wore" at The Eagle Theatre on November 12th
(HAMMONTON, NJ) -- Fool Moon Theatre Company presents a special, one-night-only presentation of the hit play Love, Loss and What I Wore on Thursday, November 12 2026 at Eagle Theatre. This exclusive event is a benefit for the Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Middlesex College presents "She Kills Monsters"
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex College Visual, Performing and Media Arts presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen from November 12-18, 2026 at the Performing Arts Center - Studio Theater in Edison. She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly.
CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher"
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- CherryBlossomPlayers:LLC presents Edgar Allan Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher from November 12-14, 2026 at Philhower Chapel at Vincent United Methodist Church in Nutley. This is an exciting new original adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale.
Theater League of Clifton presents "1776" in November
(WAYNE, NJ) -- Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of opinionated, stubborn and deeply divided delegates gathered in Philadelphia and somehow managed to create a new nation. This November, the Theater League of Clifton brings their story to the stage with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical about the tumultuous days leading to the Declaration of Independence. Directed by Maren Sugarman, the production will be presented November 13–15, 2026, at the Wayne Community Center.
Lomotion Live presents "Etiquette" by David Lee White
(BOONTON, NJ) -- Lomotion Live presents Etiquette, a timely and biting comedy by playwright David Lee White, directed by Lauren Moran. The production will run November 13–15, 2026 at Lomotion Live at Parsippany Arts Center in Boonton.
NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window"
(LONG BRANCH, NJ) -- What happens when we look through a window? Do we see the world as it really is, the world as we wish it could be, or something we never expected? New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) invites audiences to discover the unexpected with NJ Rep presents Theatre Brut Short Play Festival 2026: "Through The Window" a festival of eight original short plays presented over two weekends, November 13–15 and November 20–22, 2026 at the West End Arts Center in Long Branch.
