It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is set to make its Broadway premiere this holiday season.
Directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, it stars Andrew Rannells (Gutenberg!), Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), Tituss Burgess (Oh, Mary!), Harry Hamlin (Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches) and Lisa Rinna (Days of Our Lives).
A Live Radio Play transports audiences to a 1940s radio studio, where a company of celebrated actors gathers to perform Frank Capra’s timeless classic, live on-the-air, complete with a foley artist and holiday carols. Previews begin Wednesday, November 4 at the Broadhurst Theatre, with opening night on Wednesday, November 18 for a limited nine-week run through Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Two-time Tony nominee Rannells leads as George Bailey, opposite two-time Tony nominee Hilty as Mary Bailey. Six-time Emmy nominee Burgess earns his wings as Clarence and others, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Hamlin takes on the villainous Mr. Potter and others, and four-time Emmy nominee Rinna plays Violet and others.
”This story has touched the hearts of millions for generations, and I’m thrilled to now be bringing it to the Broadway stage this holiday season with this sensational cast of musical theater, television, and comedy greats,” said Zaks. “This production’s unique format as a radio play calls back to the charm of a bygone era, while also folding in exciting surprises to thrill modern audiences, making for a memorable and joyful holiday experience for all.”
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play invites theatergoers to take their seats in the live studio audience of a 1940s radio broadcast, high above New York City at Christmastime, where a company of actors has gathered to perform one of the most beloved holiday stories ever told. It’s the timeless story of George Bailey, a man who has spent his life putting the needs of others before his own. When a crisis forces him to look back on the life he’s lived, he discovers just how much one person can mean to the people around him.
Based on the 1943 short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern, Frank Capra’s film It’s A Wonderful Life was released in 1946 and nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the film.
Design team for the Broadway production includes Tony Award-winning Costume & Scenic Designer Santo Loquasto (Hello, Dolly!), Lighting Designer Kenneth Posner (Beetlejuice), and Sound Designer Palmer Heffernan (John Proctor is the Villain). Music Direction is by Andy Einhorn (Gypsy). Casting is by Taylor Williams, CSA, and General Management is by WJP/Dylan Glen.
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is produced by Seaview, WJP, No Guarantees Productions, Broadway & Beyond Theatricals, Pam Hurst-Della Pietra & Stephen Della Pietra, Jillian Robbins, The Shubert Organization, The John Gore Organization, NETworks Presentations, Tom Tuft, Scott Abrams, Colleen Cook, Nicholas Kaiser, Stella La Rue and Bruce & Peggy Wanta.
