It’s A Wonderful Life is a 79 year old film treasure. And no matter how many times you may have seen the Frank Capra classic, the Irish Rep’s adaptation is primed to steal your heart yet again. At just 70 minutes, this abridged version, staged as a live radio play set on Christmas eve 1946, captures the best moments of the movie while injecting some original touches of its own.
Irish Rep artistic director Charlotte Moore is at the helm once again, directing Anthony E. Palermo’s retelling of the beloved story. And it is a truly wonderful collaboration. The renowned off-broadway theater company produced the show twice before and it’s proven to be a perennial favorite.
The saga of George Bailey, whose life is constantly upended by various crises in his fictional hometown of Bedford Falls, has a universally enduring appeal. Just as everything seems lost and George decides to end it all one day, an angel named Clarence forces him to see what would have happened to his family and friends had he never been born.
Casting is key in this production because it requires five highly versatile performers, acting, singing, and taking on multiple roles, all the while managing the sound effects. Each of the actors pulls off their many tasks in delightful fashion.
Leenya Rideout capably takes on most of the female roles along with some of the male characters and even plays the children with unexpected charm.
She’s matched by Ashley Robinson as the angel Clarence and a host of other roles. With his wild hair, Robinson has a strong comedic bent along with a fine singing voice.
A highlight is a rendition of the bluesy depression era classic “Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?” featuring the entire ensemble.
The show is peppered with a number of familiar holiday tunes. “Silent Night” and “Let It Snow” among them. David Hancock Turner is the very capable musical director providing ample accompaniment on an upstage piano.
And considering that it’s crafted as a live radio play, the action is interrupted by a pair of advertisements. One of them is a commercial for war bonds. The other asks us to buy Lucky Strikes, the cigarette “20-thousand doctors recommend.” It is 1946 after all.
As George Bailey, the Irish Rep is lucky to have Reed Lancaster who impressively channels Jimmy Stewart (the film’s star) in every meaningful way. He is an engaging actor exuding the impetuousness and duty of a hometown boy desperate to break away.
In the role of George’s wife played by Donna Reed in the movie, Ali Ewoldt is a bright talent with a million watt smile and a gorgeous soprano.
And Irish Rep and Broadway veteran Rufus Collins provides narration and takes on the villainous role of Mr. Potter, played so memorably in the film by Lionel Barrymore. With his booming voice he perfectly fits the bill.
At a time when so many of us are struggling to capture the holiday spirit, the Irish Rep’s warm-hearted and intimate staging of It’s A Wonderful Life reminds us what’s truly important in life – love, family and friendship.
It’s a Wonderful Life opened December 7, 2025, at the Irish Repertory Theatre and runs through December 31. Tickets and information: irishrep.org
