About This Production

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 the dozens of characters in Bedford Falls as well as produce all the sound effects. A nostalgic blend of holiday cheer and theatrical magic, you will fall in love all over again with George Bailey and the angel named Clarence who saves his life on Christmas Eve.

Join us as roaming telegraph boys and popcorn girls in period costumes transform the Lowndes Shakespeare Center into a vintage, New York City radio studio on Christmas Eve. The pre-show action begins thirty minutes prior to show time.

 

Critic and Audience Reviews

"If you need a heart-warming classic to get you in the mood for the holidays, then 'It's a Wonderful Life' is your ticket."

-Thomas Thorspecken, Analog Artist Digital World

"Warm(s) the heart of theatergoers from age 8 to 28 to 58 to 88… I was won over by the charm and enthusiasm of the acting company.”

-Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Shakespeare Theater has shaken and stirred this overly familiar story into a festive cocktail of old-timey radio comedy, without losing an ounce of its emotional punch."

-Seth Kubersky, Orlando Weekly

Creative Team

Director: Suzanne O'Donnell
Scenic Designer: Richard Crowell
Lighting Designer: Kevin Griffin
Costume Designer: Mel Barger
Sound Designer: Britt Sandusky

Meet the Cast

Natalie Cordone

Natalie Cordone*

Lana Sherwood/Violet
David Edwards

David Edwards*

Freddie Filmore/Potter
Duke Lafoon

Duke Lafoon

Jake Laurents/George

Brandon Roberts

Harry Heywood/Clarence
sarch french

Sarah French

Sally Applewhite/Mary
Joshua Parrot

Joshua Parrott

Newspaper Boy/Ensemble
Tyler Tanner

Tyler Tanner

Foley Sound Guy
Terrance Campbell

Terrance Campbell

Telegraph Boy 1/Singer 1
Austin Larkin

Austin Larkin

Telegraph Boy 2/Singer 2
Junior Nyong'o

Junior Nyong’o*

Photographer/Sound Technician
Isiah Columbus

Isiah Columbus

Stage Manager
Alexis Harter

Alexis Harter

Popcorn Girl 1/Singer 3
Helena Whittaker

Helena Whittaker

Popcorn Girl 2/Singer 4