Christopher Blake Photos - Broadway

Back by popular demand, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE sparkles in the quaint performance space of Old Settler's Hall. Festively located next to Round Rock's "Christmas Towne", IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE provides more of an experience than a traditional retelling of everyone's favorite classic Christmas Story. Adapted from the beloved radio play / broadcast, the Penfold Theatre Company has brought this adaptation back to life, with magical elements the whole family will enjoy. Setting the stage in a quiet and whimsical hall, the audience is transported to 1946 as members of KPNF radio station. Back then family members gathered around the hearth to listen to the classic Christmas cast. For those unfamiliar with this sweet story, see George Bailey (played by Penfold Artistic Director Ryan Crowder), a man who, through fateful circumstances, gave up his dreams of traveling the world for the good of the people in his hometown Bedford Falls. A slew of events catapults Bailey onto a bridge contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. What happens between his birth and George's contemplation of death, are the subject of the plot. This shines a light on the many struggles of humanity and brings into focus the humility the holiday season harkens from an individual.

Broadway fans had plenty of reasons to celebrate this year, with dozens of shows having opened since January, hundreds of actors having made their debuts, and many more having returned to the stage for critically acclaimed performances. Not all news was good though, as we also suffered a loss of an incredible amount of talent. Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2014.

Antaeus, L.A.'s multiple award-winning classical theater company, presents the U.S. premiere of Noël Coward's rarely produced anti-war drama, Peace In Our Time. Casey Stangl directs the fully double-cast production of a new adaptation, with music, by Barry Creyton. Gala openings took place on October 20, 21, 22 and 23, with performances continuing through December 11 at The Antaeus Company‘s interim North Hollywood home at Deaf West Theatre. BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage from the event below.