It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Returns to STAGEStheatre November 29th - December 29th

There aren't many things that signal the beginning of the holiday season quite like watching It's a Wonderful Life. STAGEStheatre is proud to kick off the holiday season with the adaptation of this heartwarming classic. In Joe Landry's adaptation, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play it's December 24, 1946 in Studio A at WSTG Radio and a cast of actors are preparing to present It's a Wonderful Life live to their listening audience. With the help of a pianist and a sound effects artist, the ensemble recreates the story of George Bailey, a young man whose dreams of traveling the world are thwarted by his sense of responsibility to the family business. Down on his luck, George Bailey, a compassionate yet disheartened businessman, is at the end of his rope, questioning his purpose in life. Just when he comes to believe that life is not worth the effort, some divine intervention allows him to see the way that his life has affected all those he loves, and he learns what his life is really worth.

This 2013 production marks STAGEStheatre's fifth time producing this timeless classic. Director Amanda DeMaio is excited to take on the challenge once again. "The enthusiastic response is always quite surprising, I mean everyone has seen the movie and knows the story well. Even just reading the script in rehearsals was an emotional experience, but to look out during a performance and see grown men and women with huge smiles and tears streaming down their faces was almost overwhelming. That was when we realized we had something exceptional that we could use to start a tradition of holiday performances. We heard over and over again what a great start to the holiday season the show was."

The American Film Institute (AFI) selected It's a Wonderful Life as its "Most Inspiring Movie of All Time" in a 2006 "100 Years-100 Cheers" retrospective, and Landry's radio play adaptation has received equally-admiring reviews in many cities across the country. The classic tale of family, friendship and the power of community in the face of financial hard times is a must-see this holiday season.

Starring in It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play are: Frank Tryon, Mark Coyan, Darri Kristin, Mo Arii , Wade Williamson, Adam Poynter , Eva Rovillos, Sean Hesketh, Glenn Koppel, Kelly Doran, Robin L. Watkins, Jeffery Rockey, Barney Evans, Jennifer Siglin, Richard Burnes, Steven Biggs, Vic Miller, Madeleine Blossom, Kathleen Fabry, Destiny Wade, Frank Valdez Jr., Jack Millis, Jon Gaw, Jeffrey Larson, and Rick Lawhorn.
Tickets for It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play are $20.00, $18.00 for students and seniors. Performances are November 29- December 30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. For reservations please visit our website at www.stagesoc.org

About STAGEStheatre: Celebrating its 20th year in business, STAGEStheatre is one of Orange County's most innovative community theaters. It produces nearly 15 productions annually, showcasing local playwriting, acting and directing talent. STAGEStheatre is, and will continue to be, dedicated to the development of the artist. It is located at 400 E. Commonwealth in Downtown Fullerton (between Lemon and Balcom).