The cast of It's a Wonderful Life in 2022, photo by Kevin Sebastian

(SUMMIT, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play with live, in-person performances Thanksgiving weekend, November 25-26, 2023, at the Oakes Center Theater (120 Morris Avenue) in Summit. The Theater Project recreates the Lux Radio Theater circa 1947 as twelve adult actors, four kids, a musician and one extremely overworked sound technician prepare for the big radio broadcast of the story made famous in the Frank Capra film. Audiences experience the tears and laughter of It's a Wonderful Life performed live, along with the novelty of seeing the backstage mechanics of an old-time radio broadcast.

“This story about friendship and small acts of kindness seems to become more and more popular every year,” says Mark Spina, Artistic Director of The Theater Project. “For many of our patrons, kicking off their holidays with this event has become an annual tradition. We’re hoping to meet some new people from Summit and at the same time, see some of our long-time fans to wish them a happy holiday.” The Theater Project also offers programs in Cranford, Maplewood, and online.

The Theater Project is a leading incubator for rising talent and a showcase for New Jersey artists. Over the last 20 years, some of the company’s favorite actors have played -- and replayed -- roles in It's A Wonderful Life, online and in-person. This year’s cast showcases talent from around New Jersey and the tristate area, including Matt McCarthy (Chatham), Anna Sales (Philadelphia), Scott Cagney (New York City), Andre DeSandies (Teaneck), Jim Clancy (Basking Ridge), Emily Bonaria (Springfield), Will Budnikov (Matawan), Gary Glor (Union) and Jeff Maschi (Edison). Starting the holidays with this rendition of “The American Christmas Carol” has become a holiday tradition for actors as well as theater-goers.

Performances take place Saturday, November 25 at 8:00pm and Sunday, November 26 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students; $5 off full-price and senior tickets purchased by November 13. Tickets are available for purchase online. Masks are recommended but not required. 

TIMES ARE TIGHT $5 TICKETS: The Theater Project has a limited number of $5 tickets available by calling 908 809-8865 to reserve. "We never want people to miss a show because of cost," says associate producer Mary Iannelli. "We do our best to make live theater affordable for all."

It's A Wonderful Life is made possible in part by a 2023 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

The Theater Project has been introducing NJ audiences to new plays and supporting rising playwrights and theater artists for nearly 30 years. They develop new audiences for theater by service to the community, providing programs for children and using theater as a forum to address the issues of our time.