Broadway is set to welcome a festive adaptation of a classic tale this season with the premiere of *It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play*. Scheduled to elevate the holiday spirit, this new production opens on November 18 at the Broadhurst Theatre, with previews beginning on November 4. The limited engagement will run until January 3, 2027.
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The star-studded cast features notable names, including Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty, Tituss Burgess, Harry Hamlin, and Lisa Rinna. Rannells, known for his roles in *The Book of Mormon* and *Gutenberg! The Musical!*, assumes the lead role of George Bailey. Hilty, recognised for her performance in *Smash*, takes on the role of Bailey’s devoted wife, Mary. Burgess, an Emmy nominee with recent acclaim from *Oh, Mary!*, portrays George’s guardian angel, Clarence, along with several other characters.
Harry Hamlin, who will embody the scheming Mr. Potter among other roles, joins Rinna, who returns to Broadway as Violet and other characters. Their reunion on stage is particularly notable as the couple previously shared the spotlight in *Chicago* in 2007, showcasing a dynamic that has also been chronicled on reality television.
Directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, the play adapts the cherished 1946 film directed by Frank Capra, bringing the story to life within a 1940s radio studio atmosphere. The unique setting features actors performing the narrative live on air, alongside a foley artist producing sound effects and festive carols to enhance the listening experience.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is particularly significant as it represents the Broadway debut of Joe Landry’s adaptation, which has seen success across the United States since its initial production in Connecticut in 1996. The story revolves around George Bailey, a character who struggles with the meaning of his existence and is visited by Clarence, who unveils the impact of George’s absence from the world around him.
In a statement, Zaks expressed his enthusiasm for the project, citing the story’s timeless connection with audiences over generations. He noted the nostalgic charm of the radio format, promising modern twists that would engage today’s viewers.
Landry, who created the adaptation with the aid of a friend at a high school workshop, reflects humbly on the journey of his creation, which has reached Broadway after decades of performances in various theatres. “I never dreamed that the little play we started together would travel for decades,” Landry remarked, extending his gratitude to the creative team and the cast for their role in bringing the production to life.
This year’s premiere also aligns with a significant anniversary for the original film, which celebrated its 80th year in 2026. The film, which starred James Stewart and Donna Reed, has permeated the holiday season and earned multiple Academy Award nominations, solidifying its status as a cherished tradition.
Tickets for *It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play* are currently available for purchase, offering theatre-goers the opportunity to experience the magic of this festive retelling. Fans of both theatre and the classic film may find solace in the emotional journey of George Bailey, who learns that every life has its worth, especially during the season of giving.
This production marks a new chapter in the ongoing legacy of *It’s a Wonderful Life*, emphasising themes of hope, community, and the importance of personal connections, making it a must-see event this holiday season on Broadway.