Grosse Pointe Theatre presents It's a Wonderful Life - The Radio Show at Grosse Pointe Theatre

An adaptation from the beloved holiday movie, Marty Bufalini's It's a Wonderful Life - The Radio Show is Grosse Pointe Theatre's December production that is sure to bring holiday cheer and inspiration to audiences of all ages. The production runs Dec. 10-19 and will include several local radio and television personalities who will serve as celebrity announcers during the performances.

Bufalini, whose voice is well known on the radio airwaves, combines his passion for old-time radio with his love for acting and directing to recreate a 1940s-style radio broadcast in a stage production, with patrons serving as the live in-studio audience. This unique production incorporates vintage music and live sound effects, including the sound effects door once used in the live Detroit radio broadcast of The Lone Ranger that aired from 1933-1954.

"Our production will offer audiences a firsthand look at how storytelling was shared back in the Golden Age of radio," said Bufalini. "We have a great cast and crew and a terrific line-up of local broadcast celebrities who jumped at the chance to participate in this production. Were grateful to be able to bring this special holiday production to audiences."

Detroit media serving as celebrity announcers during performances will include:
Kim Adams, host, 103.5 FM WMUZ, Friday, Dec. 10, 8 p.m. performance;
Jay Towers, anchor, FOX 2 Detroit and host on 100.3 WNIC, Saturday, Dec. 11, 8 p.m. performance;
Lee Thomas, anchor, FOX 2 Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m. performance;
Holly Hutton, co-host, 99.5 WYCD Detroit's Country, Thursday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. performance;
Jason Scott, morning co-host, WWJ Newsradio, Friday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m. performance;
Alan Longstreet, meteorologist, FOX 2 Detroit, Saturday, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. performance; and
Alicia Smith, morning anchor, WXYZ-TV Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m. performance.

Following the 2 p.m. matinee performances on Dec. 12, Dec. 18 and Dec. 19, there will be a special behind the scenes Talkback session with Bufalini where audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding the production, recreating sound effects of old-time radio, what inspired this adaptation, and more. The 25-member cast and crew will bring this inspirational holiday classic to life.

Grosse Pointe Theatre has put several protocols in place for the health and safety of its patrons. All audience members are required to wear face masks at performances, and vaccinations are required for all cast and crew members. For additional safety, audience members will be seated in alternating rows. Digital ticketing and ticketless check-in will allow for smooth entry into the theater with minimal contact. Doors will open 30 minutes before performances so patrons can take their seats right away to avoid a crowded lobby area.

Ticket Subscriber Packages and Single tickets are still available for remaining productions and are available online at gpt.org/tickets.

What: Marty Bufalini's It's a Wonderful Life - The Radio Show Grosse Pointe Theatres holiday production

When: Eight performances from Dec. 10-19, 2021
Friday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m., Saturday Dec. 11 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. followed by Talkback, Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. followed by a Talkback, and 8 p.m., Closing performance Sunday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. followed by Talkback.

Where: Charles A. Parcells Middle School Auditorium 20600 Mack Ave., at Vernier Rd. Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. Free parking.

How: Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at gpt.org/wonderful or by calling the ticket office at 313- 881-4004.
Ages: Age 6 and older