Ojai ACT

Experience It’s A Wonderful Life as a Live Radio Play at Ojai Art Center Theater!

This holiday season, the Ojai Art Center Theater proudly presents the beloved classic It’s A Wonderful Life in a unique, live radio play format. Adapted by Joe Landry and directed by Gai Laing Jones, this heartwarming story will transport audiences to 1946 with all the charm of a live radio broadcast. Join us from December 6th through December 22nd, 2024, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM.

Audiences will journey with George Bailey through a live radio performance featuring on-stage Foley artists, pre-show vocalists singing 1940s-era music, and a festive sing-along of holiday carols to conclude each show. This nostalgic retelling celebrates family, friendship, and community in a uniquely immersive experience. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family!

Production Highlights

Foley artists Gai Jones, Trilby Conried, and Claudia Davoli will create live sound effects, enriching the immersive atmosphere. Pre-show vocalists, including Marisa Miculian, R. Shayne Bourbon, Robin Streichler, Carl A. Gross, Ezra Eells, Bill Spellman, Susan Webb, Mar De Carlo, and Rachel Lee Rose Hunt, will perform period songs and lead a holiday carol sing-along at the end of each performance.

Cast Members

Ezra Eells as George Bailey

Marisa Miculian as Mary Hatch

Carl A. Gross MD as Freddie Filmore (Joseph) / Mr. Welch (Schoolteacher’s Angry Husband) / Sheriff

Rachel Lee Rose Hunt as Mary Hatch (Teen) / Janie (George’s Piano-Playing Daughter) / a Cop

R. Shayne Bourbon as Clarence (George’s Guardian Angel) / Martini (Italian Bar Owner)

Bill Spellman as Henry F. Potter / Billy Bailey (George’s Uncle)

Steve Grumette as Henry F. Potter

Mar De Carlo as Lana Sherwood (Adult Violet)

Susan Webb as Violet Bick (Teen Violet) / Matilda (Secretary at BBB & Loan) / Charlie / Man at Martini’s / Lyricist

Michael Shanahan as Billy Bailey (George’s Uncle) / Young George / Nick the Bartender / Sam Wainwright / Harry (Adult)

Julian O’Mara as Young Harry / Tommy (George’s Burping Son) / Harry (Adult)/ Binky (Bouncer)

Jane Bueno as Zuzu (George’s Youngest Daughter) / Mrs. Thompson (Banker)

Paloma Braney as Zuzu (George’s Youngest Daughter) / Mrs. Thompson (Banker)

Lynn Van Emmerik as Rose Bailey (George’s Mom) / Sadie Vance (State Bank Examiner) / Schultz (German Customer)

Robin Streichler as Pete (George’s Oldest Son) / Ruth Dakin Bailey (Harry’s Wife) / Horace (Banker)/Interlude Music Advisor / Lyricist

Trilby Conried as Peter Bailey (George’s Father) / Bridge Keeper / Stage Manager (On Stage) / Ed (Banker)

Claudia Davoli as Dr. Campbell (Board President of Bailey Bros. Building & Loan) / Man (Banker) / Mrs. Hatch (Mary’s Mother)

David Friel as Ernie (Cab Driver) / Old Man Collins (Eavesdropper) / Charlie (Banker) / Ed (Banker)

Ashton Johnson ‘AJ’ as Interlude Instrumentalist

Event Details

Show: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry

Venue: Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 So. Montgomery St. Ojai, CA 93023

Dates: December 6th – 22nd, 2024

Show Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM

Director: Gai Laing Jones

More Info: Visit ojaiact.org or call 805-640-8797

Ticket Prices

$20 General Admission

$18 Members, Students, Seniors (62+)

$10 Children under 12

Celebrate the season with us at the Ojai Art Center Theater for an unforgettable holiday experience!

Tickets can be purchased online, at the door, over the phone at 805-640-8797,
or email Herb@ojaiact.org for ticket reservations!