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.


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