Star-Studded Cast Takes On Holiday Classic in Broadway's Live Radio Play Adaptation
Andrew Rannells, Megan Hilty, and Tituss Burgess will headline It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, a Broadway premiere directed by four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks, running November 4 through January 3, 2027 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The production transports audiences to a 1940s radio studio where actors perform Frank Capra's timeless story live on-the-air with foley effects and holiday music. The ensemble cast also includes real-life couple Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna in supporting roles.
This Broadway adaptation uniquely stages Frank Capra's beloved film narrative within a 1940s radio studio setting, where performers deliver the story as if it were airing live. The production incorporates period-appropriate techniques including foley sound effects and musical numbers, creating an immersive theatrical experience that blends classic storytelling with radio-era entertainment practices. The nine-week run positions the show as a seasonal offering timed to the December holidays, a traditional period for this particular story's cultural resonance.
The production may strengthen Broadway's appeal during the holiday entertainment season, potentially drawing both theater regulars and casual audiences seeking festive programming. The casting of recognizable television and film personalities like Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin could broaden demographic reach beyond traditional theater audiences. The show's premium ticket pricing and limited engagement may position it as a high-value cultural experience, though accessibility could vary depending on final ticket availability and pricing structures for different performance dates.