Broadway to Stage 'It's a Wonderful Life' as a Live Radio Play with Star-Studded Cast

Key points

• The production is a live radio play adaptation of the 1946 film, set in a 1940s radio studio with live foley effects and holiday carols.
• Andrew Rannells will play George Bailey, Megan Hilty will play Mary Bailey, and Tituss Burgess will play Clarence and other roles.
• Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, a married couple in real life, will play Mr. Potter and Violet, respectively, along with other roles.
• The show will run at the Broadhurst Theatre from November 4 (previews) to January 3, 2027, with an official opening on November 18.
• The adaptation, written by Joe Landry, premiered in 1996 and is making its Broadway debut after years as a regional staple.

Background

This production is a stage adaptation of the classic 1946 film 'It's a Wonderful Life,' which was based on the 1943 short story 'The Greatest Gift' by Philip Van Doren Stern. The stage version, adapted by Joe Landry, first premiered in 1996 at Connecticut's Stamford Center for the Arts and has since been performed in various regional theaters. This marks its first appearance on Broadway. The archive articles do not provide relevant background for this specific story, as they cover unrelated topics such as Stevie Wonder's tour and Rupert Grint's return to 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.'

How outlets are covering it

All three sources (Playbill, Broadway Shows, and TheaterMania) agree on the core facts: the cast, the venue (Broadhurst Theatre), the dates (previews November 4, opening November 18, closing January 3, 2027), and the format (a live radio play). Playbill and Broadway Shows provide detailed quotes from director Jerry Zaks and adapter Joe Landry, emphasizing the nostalgic and joyful nature of the production. TheaterMania highlights the return of the cast to Broadway, noting their previous credits. There are no significant disagreements among the outlets, but Playbill and Broadway Shows offer more depth on the creative team and the production's history, while TheaterMania focuses on the cast's Broadway reappearances.

Why it matters

This production brings a beloved holiday classic to Broadway in a unique format, appealing to both theatergoers and fans of the original film. The star-studded cast, including Tony nominees and television stars, ensures high visibility and likely strong ticket sales. The live radio play format offers a nostalgic experience that connects modern audiences to the charm of 1940s radio, making it a distinctive holiday offering on Broadway.

What to watch

Previews for 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play' begin on November 4, 2026, at the Broadhurst Theatre. The official opening night is scheduled for November 18, 2026, with the limited run concluding on January 3, 2027. Tickets are available through Telecharge.com and the show's official website, ItsaWonderfulLifeBway.com.