Anna Gunderson and Matt McCarthy as Mary and George Bailey. Photo by John Posada
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- A twenty-plus-year tradition unbroken by theater closures thanks to Zoom technology, It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play, returns to Oakes Center Theater for Thanksgiving weekend, November 29-30, 2025 to ring in the holidays. The Theater Project's production has grown each year, passing the story's message of redemption and community from actor to actor and audience to audience, year after year.
The show recreates the Lux Radio Theater circa 1947 as twelve adult actors, five kids, two singers, and one extremely overworked sound technician prepare for the big radio broadcast of the story made famous in the Frank Capra film. Audiences experience the tears and laughter of Wonderful Life performed live, along with the novelty of seeing the backstage mechanics of an old-time radio broadcast.
Many of the actors are veterans of this event, who come together year after year to pass the tradition to new actors and new audiences. “They give their time and talent to say Happy Holidays and thanks for being there, to the audience and to each other,” says director Mark Spina. “Wonderful Life reminds us that being grateful is perhaps the best gift we can give to ourselves and to each other. For The Theater Project, the show is an expression of gratitude and affection for our audience, and for the community of actors who have breathed life into this story for over 20 years.”
The cast in "the big Charleston contest". Photo by John Posada
Some of company’s favorite actors have played -- and replayed -- roles in It's a Wonderful Life online and in-person. This year’s cast includes Matt McCarthy and Anna Gunderson as George and Mary Bailey, as well as Emily Bonaria, Lee DeCecco, Andre DeSandies, Dalton Gorden, Gary Glor, Lynn Marie Macy, Brian Madden, Jeff Maschi, Brian Parks, Terry Nickerson. Five tween and teen actors round out the cast: Skylar Bellew, Emma Jordan, Aubrey McCarthy, Sophia Rivas, and Kavin Vyas.
Performances take place Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:00pm, at the Oakes Center Theater (120 Morris Avenue) in Summit, New Jersey. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students; $5 early bird discount is available for adults and seniors when purchased online by November 16. Tickets are available for purchase online. "Times are Tight" pay what you can tickets are available by calling 973-303-8563.
It's a Wonderful Life is made possible in part by the support of The Summit Foundation and a Union County Local Arts Program (LAP) grant.
The Theater Project, is a leading incubator for new work and a showcase for New Jersey artists.
