It’s A Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play – Location, Tickets, Reviews
Ah, It’s A Wonderful Life – that American tradition we gather around at this time every year. You can celebrate Frank Capra’s classic film, starring Jimmy Stewart as the life-battered dreamer George Bailey, on Turner Classic Movies in a couple weeks like most people, or you can head to the Irish Repertory Theatre, where a sunny cast is performing It’s A Wonderful Life as a live 1940s-era radio play, complete with period commercials as acts breaks (“Lucky Strike – it’s toasted!”) and a sound effects guru. This is Irish Rep’s second production of the show (the New York Times called it “a small triumph” last year), in what looks to be the theater’s own effort to establish a perennial holiday classic.
If you love the movie, it’s hard to imagine you won’t smile all the way through Irish Rep’s rendition. There is something fun about watching a cast of six swap hats (literally) to play the plucky citizens of Bedford Falls. Although the conceit sometimes reads as a bit too cute, the story of George Bailey’s journey through disappointment to redemption, remains as emotional and ultimately joyful as ever. A lot of credit goes to Howard McGillin, who is no Jimmy Stewart but radiates his own brand of charisma and everyman optimism. It’s as much its own lovely performance as it is a dutiful hat-tip to the original George.
You’ll miss some of your favorite scenes and characters (adapter Anthony E. Palermo has shaved the screenplay to a brisk hour), but the soul of Capra’s film is alive and well in this light, loving tribute.
LOCATION
The Irish Repertory Theatre
132 West 22nd Street
New York City
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RUNNING TIME
1 hour, no intermission
TICKETS
$45.00 (click here for tickets)
DATES
Performances through December 29, 2013
REVIEWS
2013 Production
TheaterMania
George Bailey and Clarence teach us the true meaning of Christmas at the Irish Repertory Theatre
Theater Pizzazz
If you’re in the market for an alternative to the avalanche of holiday productions of A Christmas Carol, look no further than the Irish Repertory Theatre’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life, The Live Radio Play.
2012 Production
New York Times
George Bailey Touches a Few More Lives
CAST & CREW
(partial list)
Adapted by Anthony E. Palermo
Directed by Charlotte Moore
Featuring Haley Bond, Rory Duffy, Kristin Griffith, Ian Holcomb, Peter Maloney and Howard McGillin