By Ryan Leeds
“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” The oft-quoted line from It’s a Wonderful Life has stood the test of time—said either sincerely or with saccharine silliness. But few can argue that Frank Capra’s 1946 film is a holiday classic, as proven by stage musical and play adaptations. But a live radio play version, playing this season at Irish Rep, adds its own festive flair.
Director Charlotte Moore walks a fine line between cutesy and charming with a gifted cast of five. Playwright Anthony E. Palermo has distilled the movie into a brisk and delightful 70 minutes, which includes traditional Christmas carols, American standards, and sponsored ads. Oh, the 1940s!—When Lucky Strike cigarettes were promoted as healthy.
Ali Ewoldt opens with Jerome Kern’s “Look for the Silver Lining”, accompanied on the piano by music director David Hancock Turner. It’s a fitting song for the show’s tone, as ensemble members wear multiple hats while portraying various residents of the fictional town of Bedford Falls.
For those living under a lump of coal and not familiar with the plot, George Bailey (Reed Lancaster) has bigger plans for himself. He wants to explore the world. Instead, he remains in his small town, works at the bank, gives back to the community, and marries his high school sweetheart, Mary (Ewoldt).
On Christmas Eve, George discovers that $8,000 has gone missing from the till. Unbeknownst to him, the villainous bank owner has taken it. Bereft of meaning and purpose, he decides to take his own life until Clarence the angel (Ashley Robinson) intervenes.
With no disrespect to Capra’s classic, which runs over two hours, this tale benefits from economic storytelling. A little goes a long way in Moore’s staging, with the radio play format offering a nostalgic nod to days of yore, and a reminder that the greatest gifts are the ones that don’t overstay their welcome.
4 out of 5 stars
It wants better content.
Fast facts: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at Irish Rep
Irish Rep’s radio play adaptation proves that sometimes the best way to honor a classic is to keep it short, sweet, and with plenty of bells and whistles.
- 132 West 22nd Street, New York City
- Running time: 70 minutes, no intermission
- Performances through December 31, 2025
