(MADISON, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) presents It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, running December 3-28, 2025 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. This brings the beloved holiday classic to life in the format of a 1940s radio broadcast — complete with microphones, sound effects, and a talented ensemble of actors.
"The story of George Bailey and the people of Bedford Falls come to life with you in the audience," says director Paul Mullins. "From a short story by Philip Van Doren Stern, to the beloved movie directed by Frank Capra, to the delightful radio play adapted by Joe Landry, audiences are surely in for a sweet treat."
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play tells the timeless story of George Bailey — a man who, with the help of a gentle angel named Clarence, discovers just how many lives he has touched and how truly wonderful life can be. Heart-felt, nostalgic, and full of holiday spirit, this live radio play is a joyful reminder of community, kindness, and the magic of the season.
The wonderful company includes RJ Foster (Broadway: Home and Fat Ham) as Freddie Filmore/Mr. Potter, Paul Henry as Uncle Billy/Foley Artist, and Tony Roach (Broadway: Flying Over Sunset, My Fair Lady, Bright Star) as Jack Laurents/George. Andy Paterson and Tina Stafford return to their roles from STNJ's 2017 production, as Harry "Jazzbo" Heywood/Clarence and Lana Sherwood/Violet, respectively. Rounding out the cast is Tiffany Topol, making her STNJ debut as Sally Applewhite/Mary.
Single tickets for It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play begin at $54 for preview performances and begin at $61 for regular performances. Tickets range from $54 to $92 and are available for purchase online or by calling the Box Office at (973) 408-5600
The Theatre offers a variety of other cost-saving opportunities, including $25 student tickets with a valid student ID and a limited number of Pay What You Will tickets for every performance on a first-come, first-serve basis. STNJ also has a $30 under 30 ticket option, which offers $30 tickets for patrons aged 30 and under, with valid ID. Other discounts are available including subscription discounts; and 10% discounts for members of PBS/Thirteen, Active Military, Madison Loyalty Club card holders, and AAA members. STNJ also honors the Family First Discovery Pass for families receiving benefits through SNAP, WIC, or Work First New Jersey.
The production team includes set designer Sarah Beth Hall; costume designer Austin Blake Conlee; lighting designer Kevin Gartley; and sound designer Steven Beckel. Brielle Morris is the production stage manager, with Mikki Monfalcone as assistant stage manager.
This production of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is generously sponsored by Provident Bank and Dr. W. John Bauer & Nancy B. Boucher.
The 2025 Student Matinee Series is generously sponsored by Marta & David Black.
Patrons are encouraged to check out these special events connected with the production:
Pay What You CAN Food Drive: Wednesday, December 3rd starting at 6:30pm (Donate two canned goods and pay $10 admission at Box Office) Tickets are available starting at 6:30pm; the performance starts at 7:30pm
Drew Night: Friday, December 5th starting at 6:30pm (An exclusive pre-show lounge for the Drew University community)
Opening Night: Saturday, December 6th (A celebratory evening, including complimentary champagne at intermission and a post-show reception)
Symposium Series #1: Tuesday, December 9th following performance (A lively post-show chat with the cast)
Know-the-Show Series & Closed Captioning: Thursday, December 11th (A pre-show talk with the Artistic Team, starting at 6:45pm) Closed Captioning provided at this performance by Globetitles.
Holiday Market: Saturday, December 13th from 10:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, December 14th from 10:00am to 2:00pm (A festive holiday market held in the Kirby Studio, featuring local vendors)
Symposium Series #2: Saturday, December 13th following matinee performance (A lively post-show chat with the cast)
Sensory Seminar & Audio Described Performance: Thursday, December 18th starting at 6:30pm (A pre-show experience for Blind/low-vision patrons) Audio Description provided at this performance.
Touch Tour & Relaxed Performance: Friday, December 19th starting at 1:00pm. An interactive and fun tour through certain props, costumes, and set pieces. A judgement-free performance for patrons who have different cognitive, sensory and/or environmental needs.
Hobnob & Hang: Friday, December 19th following the 7:30pm performance (A chance to mix and mingle after the show)
Symposium Series #3: Saturday, December 20th following matinee performance (A lively post-show chat with the cast)
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) is one of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving approximately 75,000 adults and children annually. It is New Jersey's largest professional theatre company dedicated to Shakespeare's canon and other classic masterworks. Through its productions and education programs the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional major support is received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, CTW Foundation, The Samuel H. Scripps Foundation, Union Foundation, E.J. Grassmann Trust, Hyde, and Watson Foundation, Jack K. Ayre and Frank Ayre Lee Theatre Foundation, The John R. Eckel Jr. Foundation, Turrell Fund, The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, and the Howard Gilman Foundation, as well as contributions from numerous other foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals.
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