This holiday season, the beloved festive tale “It’s a Wonderful Life” is being transformed for the stage, and notable actors Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna are reuniting on Broadway nearly 20 years after their last collaboration. The couple will take on roles in the live radio play adaptation of the classic film, directed by Jerry Zaks, signaling an exciting return to theatre for both.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Rinna expressed her enthusiasm about reprising a Broadway role alongside her husband Hamlin. At 63, Rinna shared that the anticipation of their upcoming return has stirred more excitement than nerves. “Funnily enough, I am not nervous. I’m excited,” she said at a recent public event, where she noted that preparations for rehearsals were set to commence imminently.
Rehearsals are scheduled to begin on October 19, and Rinna made it clear that she is ready to dive into the creative process after an extensive hiatus. “I will take the red-eye, and I will have my first rehearsal tomorrow,” she remarked, indicating her eagerness to jump back into the world of theatre.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will make its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre, with previews starting on November 4 and an official opening night set for November 18. The production will run for a limited time, concluding its performances on January 3. The play, adapted for the stage by Joe Landry, captures the essence of Frank Capra’s iconic 1946 film, transporting audiences to a 1940s radio studio where actors perform the poignant story as if it were broadcast live. The show includes unique elements, such as a foley artist creating sound effects onstage and the inclusion of seasonal carols, contributing to a rich theatrical experience.
The cast features an impressive lineup, with Andrew Rannells portraying George Bailey and Megan Hilty as his wife, Mary Bailey. Tituss Burgess will take on the role of Clarence, George’s guardian angel, among other parts. Hamlin has been cast as the scheming Mr. Potter in addition to taking on various other characters, while Rinna will play Violet and additional roles throughout the production.
The upcoming performance marks the first time Rinna and Hamlin have shared the Broadway stage since their notable appearances in the 2007 revival of “Chicago,” where they portrayed Roxie Hart and Billy Flynn, respectively. The two have remained a familiar sight on reality television, often appearing together during Rinna’s eight-season tenure on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” as well as in their own series “Harry Loves Lisa.”
In addition to their theatre work, Rinna and Hamlin have collaborated on various scripted television projects that include their roles as a married couple in the inaugural season of “Veronica Mars” and the 2001 Lifetime original film “Sex, Lies & Obsession.”
The couple has been married since March 1997 and nurtures a family that includes two daughters, Delilah Belle, 28, and Amelia Gray, 25. Hamlin also has a son named Dimitri, aged 46, from a previous relationship with actress Ursula Andress.
As the festive season approaches, the excitement surrounding this production continues to build. Fans of both Rinna and Hamlin are keen to witness their dynamic on stage, celebrating not only a return to Broadway but also the enduring partnership of this acclaimed duo in the world of entertainment. With just a few weeks to go before previews begin, there is high anticipation for how this adaptation will honour the timeless charm of “It’s a Wonderful Life”.