Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Photo Flash: First Look at Half Moon Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

By:

Half Moon Theatre Company invites you to bring the entire family to celebrate the holiday season Dec. 5-20 (weekends only) with It's a Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play. Set in a 1946 radio station studio, five actors perform an "on-air" retelling of this heartwarming tale. The actors portray all of the movie's favorite characters and are joined by a live sound effects artist-who brings the story to life by encouraging audience participation. Kids (and kids at heart) will love getting to applaud and make special sound effects throughout the performance.

Adapted by Tony Palermo, It's A Wonderful Life: The 1946 Radio Play is directed by Michael Schiralli and features Jason Cohen, Darrell James*, Molly Renfroe Katz*, Amy Lemon Olson*, John Summerford*, and Drama Desk nominated live sound effects artist Ien DeNio.

With a festive sing-along to favorite carols and hilarious commercials, everyone in the family will enjoy this version of the timeless classic about love, redemption and the Christmas spirit. Give your kids their first It's a Wonderful Life experience, or bring your entire office or out of town guests for a memorable holiday outing!

Director Michael Schiralli said, "It's not the holidays without watching It's A Wonderful Life. Its message-that no man is a failure who has friends-sums up the heart of the season. Sharing it with the Hudson Valley-live-in a theatrical setting, in this clever radio play version, makes it that more special. It's the perfect gift for the person who has everything!"

John Summerford, who plays the beloved everyman George Bailey, said, "The film has always been a part of the holidays for most of us. This version gives the Hudson Valley community an opportunity to come together during this special time of year and reflect on what is truly important in our lives. Community is such an important theme in this piece."

"It's a Wonderful Life is the perfect holiday show for the whole family," said HMT managing director Kristy Grimes. "We're hoping everyone from Grandma to the grandkids will come for dinner at The Culinary Institute of America, see the show, and start a new Christmas tradition right here in the Hudson Valley."

As part of the It's A Wonderful Life festivities, Grimes said carolers will stroll through the theatre singing holiday music. She noted The Culinary Institute of America will offer themed concessions from the Apple Pie Bakery for Christmas -with special treats for children.

Photo Flash: First Look at Half Moon Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Image
John Summerford, Darrell James, Molly Renfroe Katz and Amy Lemon Olson

Photo Flash: First Look at Half Moon Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Image
Ien DeNio

Photo Flash: First Look at Half Moon Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Image
Jasen Cohen, Amy Lemon Olson, Darrell James, John Summerford, and Molly Renfroe Katz

Photo Flash: First Look at Half Moon Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE Image
Darrell James, Amy Lemon Olson, John Summerford, Molly Renfroe Katz, and Jason Cohen





Don't Miss a Rockland / Westchester News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...


BroadwayWorld TV


Sarah Jane Cion Trio in Rockland / Westchester Sarah Jane Cion Trio
Jazz On Main (6/27-6/27)
Jared Pauley Quartet in Rockland / Westchester Jared Pauley Quartet
Jazz On Main (7/23-7/23)
Laura Dubin Trio in Rockland / Westchester Laura Dubin Trio
Jazz On Main (7/25-7/25)
Hillai Govreen & Nitsan Kolko in Rockland / Westchester Hillai Govreen & Nitsan Kolko
Jazz On Main (8/01-8/01)
"Equus" in Rockland / Westchester "Equus"
Reid Castle; Manhattanville University (7/30-8/02)
Marc Ciprut Band in Rockland / Westchester Marc Ciprut Band
Jazz On Main (7/16-7/16)
Tamuz Nissim Trio in Rockland / Westchester Tamuz Nissim Trio
Jazz On Main (9/04-9/04)
Songs Of the Valley in Rockland / Westchester Songs Of the Valley
Jazz On Main (6/18-8/22)
Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT) Presents The Thomas Hardy Project – An Award-Winning Play Selected for the AACT’s NewPlayFest 2026 in Rockland / Westchester Westchester Collaborative Theater (WCT) Presents The Thomas Hardy Project – An Award-Winning Play Selected for the AACT’s NewPlayFest 2026
Westchester Collaborative Theater (6/19-6/28)
Rosalind & Juliet in Rockland / Westchester Rosalind & Juliet
Hudson Valley Theatre (6/19-6/28) PHOTOS