It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (II)
Anthony E. Palermo; adapted from the 1946 Frank Capra film
Opening Date:
November 28, 2025
Closing Date:
December 14, 2025
George Bailey encounters despair on Christmas Eve, only to discover through an angel’s intervention how profoundly his life has mattered to his family and community. The beloved holiday story unfolds as an old-fashioned live radio drama with vintage microphones, quick character changes and practical sound effects.
Cast & Crew
Production Notes
Production History
The third production of CST’s 42nd season, Anthony E. Palermo’s It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live-Onstage-Radio Play featured ten performances over three weekends at 1009 W. Reno Avenue. Directed by Rhonda Clark, the production recreated a 1940s broadcast with period costumes, commercials, audience cues, and an ensemble performing numerous voices. Lola Doolittle supplied live mechanical sound effects, accompanied by an organ-and-piano score.
CST Connections
CST previously presented Palermo’s adaptation in Season 30 (2013), also directed by Rhonda Clark. Barry Thurman performed in both productions.
Gallery Exhibition
The accompanying Tanenbaum Gallery exhibition featured handcrafted jewelry by Yvita Crider and artwork by cast member Albert Bostick. freepressokc.com
Press Coverage
Original CST production announcement — Oklahoma City Free Press, November 14, 2025
Production listing — BroadwayWorld
Institutional Support
Oklahoma Arts Council; National Endowment for the Arts; Inasmuch Foundation; Kirkpatrick Family Fund; Allied Arts Foundation.
Licensing
Palermo’s adaptation is currently available for licensing directly through the author via RuyaSonic.