It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (full-length version) eScriptAvailable

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (full-length version) It’s A Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern.
The Greatest Gift is used by permission of The Greatest Gift Corporation. adapted by Joe Landry

(60)
Productions ()
Holiday drama
|
75 - 90 minutes
2 W, 3 M,  (5-25 actors possible: 1-10 W, 1-15 M)
Set: Should suggest 1940s radio station, period microphones, sound effects, table/station, applause sign.

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. (A short version of this play is also available.) Read More

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Play Details

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. (A short version of this play is also available.)

It’s A Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern.
The Greatest Gift is used by permission of The Greatest Gift Corporation.

Special feature: Author-approved changes for a larger cast and for adding an intermission (PDF)

  • Holiday drama
  • |
  • 75 - 90 minutes
  • 2 W, 3 M,  (5-25 actors possible: 1-10 W, 1-15 M)
  • Set: Should suggest 1940s radio station, period microphones, sound effects, table/station, applause sign.
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-033-4

Published Reviews

"One of the best holiday shows around. This is a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption."

Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times

"I have seen the radio show performed many times and this was the best one I have ever seen... they often leave out the petal scene. You have found the true magic from this story..."

Karolyn Grimes a.k.a. Zuzu

"Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is a classic that'll never to be surpassed by any remake. But what this play has to sacrifice, it makes up for with its original twist, its clever use of props, entertaining voices and a love story that you want to witness over and over again."

Teresa Errico, Fairfield County Weekly (Connecticut)

"A well-loved tale told with style, charm and a heart so big it could burst the ribcage of the harshest Grinch."

Kerry Reid, The Chicago Tribune

"A fresh theatrical context that creates just the right kind of retro warmth. If you cry every time you see the movie, you'll be blubbering away right on cue...Guaranteed."

Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune

Archival Video License

Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License to add to your order for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

This allows you to record one of your live performances for your internal archives only. This cannot be streamed.

For more information, please reach out to [email protected]

eScript Details

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