Adapted by Joe Landry
Directed by Kerstin Vaughn
Published by Playscripts

Rehearsals begin October 31, 2022 (M-Th 7pm-10pm)
No rehearsal November 23-27 for Thanksgiving
Performance Dates: December 9, 10, 11 & 16, 17, 18

Synopsis
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is based on the classic holiday movie with a clever twist thrown in: the story is staged as a live radio broadcast. Actors portray numerous characters, and sound effects are created by Foley artists/actors. It’s a Wonderful Life tells the tale of George Bailey, a generous and well-meaning man who has become too downcast to continue living. It will take help from Clarence, a lovable angel in training, to show George what life would be like if he wasn’t born for George to have a change of heart and understand the true spirit of the holidays.

Content warning: This play deals with the topic of suicide.

Casting Note: This production welcomes and encourages the inclusion of performers from diverse backgrounds. Bedford Falls is meant to represent an honest and genuine America- and our America today is one of great racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. The character breakdown below will use the character’s pronouns as a way to clearly indicate genders designated in the scripts, but all gender identities will be considered for each role. Any and all races/ethnicities will be considered for each role.

Character Breakdown:
Actor 1/Jake Laurents, 30s-50s (he/him).
Actor 1 plays the role of George Bailey. George is a hardworking man who has always put the needs of other far above his own. He is selfless and self-sacrificing. He is also at the end of his rope. This actor must be genuine, kind, and charming.

Actor 2/Freddie Filmore 30s-50s (he/him).
Actor 2 plays the Announcer, Joseph, Potter, and other authority figures. Freddie is the charming host of the show. This actor must be strong, charismatic, and able to physically and vocally portray multiple characters.

Actor 3/Harry Heywood 20s-40s(he/him).
Actor 3 plays Clarence, Harry, Billy, and other friendly faces. Clarence is sincere and good-hearted, but not the brightest star in the sky. It has taken him quite some time to earn his wings, but he always tries his best. This actor must be open, lovable, and able to physically and vocally portray multiple characters.
Actor 4/Sally Applewhite 20s-40s (she/her).

Actor 4 plays Mary, Ruth, and Mrs. Thompson. Mary is loving and supportive wife and mother. She is always there for her husband, no matter the sacrifices she herself must make on his behalf. This actor must be sweet, caring, and strong.

Actor 5/Lana Sherwood 20s-50s (she/her).
Actor 5 plays the role of Violet, Sam, Sadie, and other townspeople. Violet is an alluring dreamer. She loves her independence as much as she loves the idea of being loved and cared for. She is smart and a little selfish. The actor must be captivating, flirtatious, and able to physically and vocally play multiple characters.

Youth 1/Zuzu (she/her).

Youth 1 plays Zuzu, Janie, and other children. She is sweet, kind, genuine.

Youth 2/Pete (he/him).
Youth 2 plays Pete, Tommy, and other children. He is curious, kind, and genuine.

***if no youth are available, Youth 1 and 2 will be distributed between Actor 4 and Actor 5