The Cannon Theatre Presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play”

Directed by Shawn Cannon, this live radio play is based on the beloved holiday movie, with a clever twist thrown in: the story is staged as a radio broadcast, with you as the live studio audience! Actors portray numerous characters, a live quartet sings holiday tunes, and fun sound effects are created onstage by three creative Foley artists.

It’s a Wonderful Life is about the life of George Bailey, a generous and well-meaning man who has become too downcast and tired to continue living. It will take help from a lovable angel, Clarence, to show George what life would be like if he wasn’t born for George to have a change of heart and understand the true spirit of the holidays.

In the spirit of the holiday season, The Cannon Theatre will be collecting donations for Stone Soup Kitchen, a local charity based in Ayer that feeds anyone who needs a hot meal, pantry supplies, or some loving community support. Cash donations are most appreciated, but nonperishable, not-expired food items will also be accepted at the theater.

Show times are December 9 and 10 at 7:30 pm, with matinees on December 10 and 11 at 2:00 pm.

Tickets are available at www.thecannontheatre.org, and are $25 for adults, and $20 for students/seniors.

The Cast:

Young George & George Bailey: Joe Kandra (Westford, MA)

Mary Bailey: Heather Pruiksma (Ayer, MA)

Mrs. Bailey, Mrs. Thompson: Linda Valentine (Punta Gorda, FL)

Joseph, Nick: John Lynch (Lincoln, MA)

Clarence: Matt Foster (Tyngsboro, MA)

William Keighly: Bob Amici (Bolton, MA)

Mr. Gower, Pop Bailey, Sam, Martini, Bert, Uncle Billy: Andrew DeSisto (Leominster, MA)

Harry Bailey, Dr. Campbell, Tom, Potter, Nick, Ernie: Aydan Bahe (Shirley, MA)

Eunice, Janie, Cousin Tilly, Rachel: Shawn Cannon (Shirley, MA)

Pete, Worried Woman: Eliza Bean (Littleton, MA)

Sound effects: Eliza Bean, Kiki Bean, and Reina Landrigan (Littleton, MA)

The Cannon Theatre moved from Littleton to Devens while live theater was not possible during the pandemic. The new theater construction was made possible by very generous funding from The Elizabeth B. McGraw Foundation and Mass Cultural Council, as well as donated work by Studio J2 (architect) and Frank Harrigan (structural engineer). Additional support is provided by the Community Foundation for North Central Massachusetts, and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, Lunenburg, Townsend, and Shirley – local agencies which are supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.