Bells will ring and angels will get their wings during Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF’s (Orlando Shakes) production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Adapted by Joe Landry with original music and arrangements by Kevin Connors, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play runs from November 29 – December 30, 2017 in the Margeson Theater. Tickets ($13 – $50) can be purchased by calling (407) 447-1700 ext. 1, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 E. Rollins St.).

Inspired by Frank Capra’s cinematic classic, this beloved holiday treat brings the spirit of the season to life right before your eyes. Performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience, five actors play a dozen characters in Bedford Falls. A nostalgic blend of holiday cheer and theatrical magic, audiences will fall in love all over again with George Bailey and the angel Clarence who saves his life on Christmas Eve.

“Gathering together to watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a cherished holiday tradition for many families,” said Jim Helsinger, artistic director at Orlando Shakes. “We are excited to be able to offer our Central Florida community the opportunity to take that tradition a step further this year by watching the beloved holiday classic live on stage.”

Duke Lafoon returns to Orlando Shakes to star as Jake Laurents/George. Lafoon played this role in the Theater’s 2013 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Other credits include A Wonderful Life (Westchester Broadway Theatre), The Audience (Transport Group), and A Christmas Carol (Gateway Playhouse).

Also reprising his role at the Theater is David Edwards as Freddie Filmore/Potter. Other credits include By Jeeves (Helen Hayes Theater), The Producers (National Tour), and The Rothschilds (Lunt-Fontanne Theater).

Making her Orlando Shakes debut is Natalie Cordone as Lana Sherwood/Violet. Cordone’s past credits include Some Enchanted Evening (Winter Park Playhouse), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Orlando Philharmonic), and The Fantasticks (Mad Cow Theatre).

Additional casting includes Brandon Roberts as Harry Heywood/Clarence, Sarah French as Sally Applewhite/Mary, Joshua Parrott as Newspaper Boy/Ensemble, Tyler Tanner as Foley Sound Guy, Terrance Campbell as Telegraph Boy 1/Singer 1, Austin Larkin as Telegraph Boy 2/Singer 2, Junior Nyong’o as Photographer/Sound Technician, Isiah Columbus as Stage Manager, Alexis Harter as Popcorn Girl 1/Singer 3, and Helena Whittaker as Popcorn Girl 2/Singer 4.

Director Suzanne O’Donnell’s Orlando Shakes directing credits include Holiday Memories and The Young Company’s Hamlet and Twelfth Night. She also previously starred in the Theater’s 2013 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. O’Donnell was last seen on stage at Orlando Shakes in their 2017 production of Blackberry Winter. Other past stage credits include Bad Dog, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Pluto, and Othello.

The Orlando Shakes artistic team also includes Scenic Designer Richard Crowell, Lighting Designer Kevin Griffin, Costume Designer Mel Barger, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is presented by Holland & Knight LLP. Additional support is provided by Raymond James Financial and Florida Hospital.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS 

Preview Dates: November 29 & 30 at 7:30 p.m. Opening Date: December 1 at 7:30 p.m. Senior Matinees: December 6; 13; 20; and 27 at 2 p.m. Talk Back Performance: December 17 at 2 p.m.

Opening Night Party & Pre-Show Chat – Friday, December 1, 2017

Arrive at 6:15 p.m. to enjoy free light appetizers from a local eatery, followed by a brief, informative discussion about the creative process with the director and members of the creative team. Free to all opening night ticket holders. No RSVP necessary.

TICKET INFORMATION

PRICING

Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. – $25, $40, $50

Preview Performances and Senior Matinees – $13, $20, $25

DISCOUNTS (May not be combined with any other offers)

$25 Under 35 Week: Patrons 34 years old and under can purchase $25 tickets for evening and weekend matinee performances during the third week (December 13-17, 2017) of the production. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 ext. 1 or purchase online with code word: 25UNDER35

Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+

Student Rush: $15 – 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID

Student and Active/Retired Military: $10 off single ticket prices w/ valid ID (Only available in Price Levels A and B)