Ring in the holidays with Young People’s Theatre (YPT) as they present “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” with an ensemble cast who retell this beloved story. Reimagined for the stage and adapted as a radio broadcast by Joe Landry, you become the live studio audience of the radio play, set in a 1940s studio.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” turns this holiday tale into a radio broadcast before a live studio audience — you and the kids! Special sound effects are recreated live on stage as the actors transport you to 1945, where a downhearted George Bailey discovers that life is a gift, just in time for the holidays.

In this delightfully unique version, an ensemble cast retell the story set in idyllic Bedford Falls. Directed by YPT Artistic Director Herbie Barnes, this family favourite gets a new spin where you can see each actor participating in the making of the radio play, creating sound effects as well as festive jingles in a playful acoustic backdrop to the script.

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives.” – Clarence

On a snowy Christmas Eve, small-town everyman George Bailey is struggling due to a financial crisis and desperately needs a miracle. He feels his life is filled with big dreams but even bigger disappointments. Just then, a lovable guardian angel named Clarence appears and takes George under his wing. Clarence takes George on a journey to show him the positive impact he has had on his community. Of course, George remembers his worth, and in the true spirit of the holidays, he discovers the value of love and family.

Based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern from the film screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra and Jo Swerling, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” also features lively music. This heartwarming journey proves that “no one is a failure who has friends.”

Relaxed Performances

YPT’s relaxed performances offer extra features intended to make the theatre experience more sensory-friendly for its audience. Such elements include a relaxed attitude toward audience members making sounds and/or moving during the performance, as well as adjusting sound and lighting levels to make everyone comfortable. There is also a calm area for those who would prefer to watch the show on a lobby monitor if they need a break, plus additional resources that are available before and/or during the show.

Young People’s Theatre (YPT): “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”

When: November 20 – December 30, 2023
Time: Show times vary
Where: Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front Street East, Toronto
Phone: 416-862-2222
Email: YPTBoxOffice@youngpeoplestheatre.org
Website: www.youngpeoplestheatre.org

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