Set in a 1940s radio studio, this adaptation retells the beloved holiday classic. On Christmas Eve, George Bailey reaches his lowest point, and an angel helps him see how much one life matters. Because every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. The holiday classic comes to life as a 1940s radio broadcast, with a small ensemble of actors voicing dozens of characters and making live sound effects in front of the audience.

“It’s a Wonderful Life has always been about a community showing up for one another, and that’s exactly what this partnership is,” said Asia Ciaravino, President & CEO of San Pedro Playhouse and Classic Theatre. “Putting our radio play on Texas Public Radio’s stage and on its air is a dream fit. We’re proud to share this story with San Antonio in a way it has never been heard before.”

“There’s a unique intimacy to radio drama. It invites us to listen, engage our imaginations, and build a story together. Presenting It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play live on TPR is our invitation to the community to do exactly that, while giving our studio audience a front-row seat to the creative process," said Ashley Alvarado, president and CEO of Texas Public Radio. "We are thrilled to partner with San Pedro Playhouse and Classic Theatre to celebrate this holiday classic and the enduring power of audio." 

About It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
By Joe Landry | Based on the film It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Audience Advisory
This production includes themes of emotional hardship and brief references to suicidal thoughts, presented in a hopeful context. It is suitable for most audiences.

CAST

Jake Laurents — Brian Hodges

Freddie Filmore — Kevin Murray

Harry "Jazzbo" Heywood — Ray Seams

Sally Applewhite — Jovanna Avila

Lana Sherwood — Nicole Rey Phoenix

CREATIVE TEAM

Director — Tony Ciaravino

Assistant Director — Katy Sisco

Scenic Designers — Hunter Baker and Sarah Middleton Jay

Lighting Designers — Daniel Kurokawa and Isaiah Perkins

Music & Foley Director — Kristi Tabersmith

Sound Designer — Meredith Shuman

Costume Designer — Magali Carasquillo and Christopher Muñoz

Wig & Makeup Designer — Brandi Lynn

Properties Designer — Jenn Tonak

Set Dresser — Jessica McMichael

Stage Manager — Isaiah Perkins

Assistant Stage Manager — Brianna Bocquin

Special Dates of It’s A Wonderful Life

• Champagne Opening Night — Friday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

• ASL Performance  — Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

• Live On Air Performance at Texas Public Radio — Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m.

• Post-Show Holiday Party: 3:30 to 7 p.m., TPR second-floor event space

San Pedro Playhouse and Classic Theatre are two San Antonio theatre community pillars dedicated to producing transformative, diverse, and entertaining live professional theatre.

San Pedro Playhouse, established in 1912 as the San Antonio Dramatic Club and incorporated in 1927 as the San Antonio Little Theatre, is the longest-running theater company in South Texas.

Classic Theatre, founded in 2008 by Chris Cheever, Asia Ciaravino, Anthony Ciaravino, Diane Malone, Rick Malone, Terri Peña Ross, and Allan S. Ross, is a nonprofit professional theatre committed to relevant and transformative productions.

Together, San Pedro Playhouse and Classic Theatre strive to enrich San Antonio’s cultural landscape through their commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement. Both theatres collectively employ more than 200 professionally paid performers and technicians each year, the majority of whom are local San Antonio artists. For more information, visit Classic Theatre and San Pedro Playhouse.

Texas Public Radio is an independent, nonprofit organization organized in 1988 and formally incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit the following year. Through trusted journalism, classical and world music, and community events, we connect neighbors on-air, online, and in person.

Online: Digital Newsrooms
Stay informed with a mix of local, regional, and national news, information, and stories across two digital brands, TPR.org and SanAntonioReport.org.

On the Airwaves
TPR operates seven non-commercial radio stations across the region, including KSTX, an NPR member station featuring local news alongside national and international programming, and KPAC, 24-hour classical music, in San Antonio.

In the Community
In the heart of downtown San Antonio along the banks of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park, TPR’s Irma & Emilio Nicolas Media Center regularly hosts community events, political forums, live storytelling, and cultural performances.

Connect with San Pedro Playhouse

Facebook @sanpedroplayhouse  www.facebook.com/sanpedroplayhouse

Instagram @sanpedroplayhouse www.instagram.com/sanpedroplayhouse

Connect with Classic Theatre

Facebook @classictheatresa www.facebook.com/classictheatresa

Instagram @classictheatresa www.instagram.com/classictheatresa

Connect with Texas Public Radio

Facebook @texaspublicradio www.facebook.com/texaspublicradio

Instagram @texaspublicradio www.instagram.com/texaspublicradio