IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
A LIVE RADIO PLAY
It’s A Wonderful Life
A Live Radio Play
Adapted by Philip Grecian.
Based on the film by Frank Capra.
It’s a Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern
Directed by Toni Schloss
Music Direction by Darylene Hecht
AUDITION DATES: September 10th & 11th - and just added: Monday, September 14th at 6:30 PM at the Cary Arts Center. Please click on the AUDITIONS tab on the home page for details and to download audition forms.
SHOW DATES: December 3 - 6, 2026
LOCATION: Cary Arts Center
ABOUT THE SHOW
The production reimagines the beloved film as a live radio broadcast, filled with nostalgic holiday songs, vintage commercials, and more. As in the classic film, the story follows George Bailey, the kindest man in Bedford Falls who is selfless to a fault: when Bailey begins to question if his good deeds have made a difference in the world, a guardian angel descends to show Bailey precisely how much his kindness has been worth.
The show runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission. Concessions will be available prior to the start of the show and may be taken into the theatre.
PERFORMANCES:
Parking in Downtown Cary is in very high demand in December with many people coming to enjoy the holiday lights! Please allow yourself time to get to the theatre early to find parking and relax!
For the 12:00 Noon show on Saturday, December 5th, please try to arrive prior to 11 am to find parking. Due to the Christmas Tree Lighting and other events at the Downtown Cary Park that day, there will be road closures and increased traffic near the Cary Arts Center.
THIS PRODUCTION IS PRESENTED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE GREATEST GIFT CORPORATION. PRODUCED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS The Dramatic Publishing Company.
We’d like to thank everyone who came out to audition for It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play. Each of you auditioned so wonderfully, and you all made these choices very difficult!
CAST:
We will be sending additional information within the next week or so, but plan for a kickoff & read-through on October 19th at the Cary Arts Center.
George Bailey - Stephen Johnson
Mary Hatch-Bailey - Kristina Sutton
Clarence Oddbody - Mark Anderson
Joseph / Mr. Reineman /Sam Wainwright /Charlie / Sheriff - Mike Belli
The Boss / Uncle Billy / Osgood - Cliff Ross
Harry Bailey / Man on porch - Garrett Bulger
Henry F. Potter / Joe / Tollhouse Man / Finale Man - Don Bean
Mr. Bailey / Board Chairman - Derek Duin
Mrs. Bailey / Mrs. Thompson / Mrs. Hatch / Hortense / Woman 2 - Louise Farmer
Mr. Gower / Ed / Board Member / Freddie / Man 2 / Mr. Welch - Casey Elkin
Ernie Bishop / Mickey / Board Member / Man 1 - Ash Williams
Bert the Cop / Tom / Reporter - Sean Frerking
Tilly / Secretary / Helen - Victoria Holland
Mr. Carter / Announcer / PA Voice - Phil Lewis
Violet Bick / Ruth Daken Bailey / Mrs. Welch - Amanda Curry
Nick / Mr. Partridge - Patrick Magdanz
Martini / Marty Hatch - Mark Williams
Young George Bailey / Tommy Bailey - Alexander Turlington
Young Harry Bailey / Peter Bailey II - Leonardo Pereira
Young Mary Hatch / Janie Bailey - Amelia King
Young Violet Bick / Zuzu Bailey - Ella Bertholf
Foley Artists
Art Jolin
Brian Law
Matt Walker
Christy Barczak
PRODUCTION STAFF / CREW
Director - Toni Schloss
Musical Director - Darylene Hecht
Stage Manager - Anna Grace Medlin
Technical Director - Kevin McIntire
Set Designer and Master Carpenter - Joel Soren
Costume Designer - Maura Stewart
Sound Engineer - Jack Kaufmann
Lighting Designer - Bronwyn White
Sound Cue Lab Operator - tbd
Light Board Operator - (Barbara Corbin)
Props Master - Paula Andrews
Concessions Managers - David Calhoun
Producers - Chris Berg, Debra Grannan
Graphic Artist - Mary Monahan
Playbill Layout - Joseph Foster with Minuteman Press
Photography - Charles Ruffin Photography
Volunteer Coordinator - Jeri Summer
Finance Manager - Sareek Hosein, Bob Grannan
Audition Assistance - Mark Zumbach, Christy Barczak, Paula Andrews, Debra Grannan, Chris Berg
Deck Crew/Fly Rail: tbd
Interested in joining our volunteer production team for our shows? Check out our Volunteer page or contact us at info@caryplayers.org