By Karen Nowosad
originally published: 12/19/2025
Cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play – photo by Avery Brunkus
There is a warm feeling in the air at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. This warmth comes from their current production, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. This play provides audiences with an opportunity to see an enactment of the time honored classic story of George Bailey which comes from a short story titled "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern.
But it is more than that, The story is told as if it is being performed by an ensemble of actors in a studio giving a 1940’s live radio presentation. The combination of the two is nostalgic as it provides an opportunity to feel a part of an actual radio show.
With direction from Paul Mullins, this play was adapted by Joe Landry a number of years ago. It has been eight years since it last ran at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. It is an absolute holiday treat to see this play.
The Setting
The setting for It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play uses a stage and auditorium of Studio A at WBFR in Manhattan, New York on Christmas Eve, 1946. Recall that radio shows were popular at the time and televisions were rarely seen inside homes. So many people would be listening to a production such as this.
The audience gets involved with the radio show as soon as the play starts. One feels like they are in Studio A as an observer. It is very enjoyable to experience and see all of this because the stage is complete with microphones, sound effects props, and areas where the talented ensemble of actors stand.
These components are used to tell the story. Especially interesting is the opportunity to watch the sound effects person in action. Some of the props are surprising as to how they are used but they get the job done!
The Story is Told
The story of George Bailey and his life in Bedford Falls comes to life through the actors who are playing radio characters. If you have seen the movie, you will recognize the nasty Mr. Potter and how he causes such stress for George and his family. The love between George and Mary provides a sweet story but more than that; it becomes the strength George needs. Uncle Billy is still a bit haphazard especially when he leaves the envelope with $8,000 in the newspaper that he gives to Mr. Potter.
The bank examiner’s role is a little different than the movie. But the other characters, especially Clarence, are still very much true to form. We root for Clarence to get his wings. We see the community come together to help George, who has helped so many of them. And the concept of kindness along with love and concern for others warms the heart as Clarence earns his wings.
One of the most memorable lines from this story is when Clarence reminds George that “No man is a failure who has friends.” It is a wonderful ending to a well told story.
A Hard Working Cast
Cast members play several roles in the story. But they are also acting as readers of the story on the radio. Their ability to go in and out of different parts and roles is fascinating to see as it happens. There are no costume changes so the character changes are dependent on movement, expressions, and voice on the part of the actor to depict a different character.
The wonderful company of actors includes RJ Foster, Paul Henry, Andy Paterson, Tony Roach, Tina Stafford, and Tiffany Topol.
About the Show
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show runs until December 28, 2025 at the F.M Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University in Madison. The show runs approximately 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission.
Additional information and tickets are available for purchase through the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey website or by contacting the Box Office.
Take some time to learn more about the story behind this play by accessing the Audience Guide on the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey website here.
Let's Go to the Theater helps people learn more about about live theater and develop appreciation for this art form. Karen M. Nowosad is the founder of the site. The enjoyment Karen gets from going to the theater is something she wants to share with others.
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