The hit holiday radio play welcomes back the same cast and additional performances to meet audience demands
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Nov. 9, 2026)–Back by popular demand, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play returns this holiday season to Studio Tenn with the same cast from its sold-out 2023 run. Tickets are now available for the show, running December 3 to 20, 2026, at Studio Tenn’s home theater, Turner Theater, in The Factory at Franklin.
Step back in time to Christmas Eve 1946 at WAKM Radio Station, as five actors recreate the story of George Bailey discovering the true meaning of life as a 1940s live radio broadcast—using vintage microphones, live sound effects, and music to bring the town of Bedford Falls to life. It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, adapted by Joe Landry and based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, is a timeless story that reminds us the greatest gifts at Christmas are love and family, and that “no man is a failure who has friends.”
Just in time for the film’s 80th anniversary, this special return production features the entire original Studio Tenn cast that made the production a sold-out hit, bringing back the heart, humor and nostalgia audiences fell in love with the first time.
Studio Tenn is also responding to community demand after a nearly sold-out season opener, with more performances and more ways to attend. The nonprofit organization is adding two matinee shows for It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play on Thursday, December 10 and 17 at 2 p.m., opening the door for people who prefer not to drive at night, retirement communities, community centers and school groups.
“This nostalgic show and talented cast are back for a reason,” said Patrick Cassidy, director of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play and artistic director at Studio Tenn. “Audiences loved their performances, and it’s turned into a special holiday tradition for families to come together to see a Studio Tenn show each December. The audience response is why we added additional shows to make the act of coming to enjoy the theatre even more accessible for Middle Tennesseans.”
Returning to the Turner Theater stage are Mariah Parris playing Mary Hatch, Caleb Shore playing George Bailey, Gerold Oliver playing Clarence, Geoffrey Davin playing Mr. Potter, and Charlotte Myhre Shealy playing Violet. Understudies include Brian Michael Jones and Mary Chandler Hicks.
Bringing the holiday cheer to life behind the scenes are Director and Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy, Music Supervisor Scott Brons, who will perform live onstage as the production’s pianist, Choreographer Melissa Hurley Cassidy, Scenic Designer Andrew R. Cohen, Costume Designer and Costume Supervisor Devon Renee Spencer, Sound Designer and A1 Danny Northup, Wig, Hair and Makeup Designer Bailey Dorflinger-Slee, Lighting Designer Darren Levin, Production Stage Manager Marlee Shelton and Assistant Stage Manager Peyton Lewis.
Join Studio Tenn for a heartwarming celebration of the season, perfect for making memories with the whole family. Tickets are on sale now starting at just $25, and are only available for purchase at studiotenn.com, the Turner Theater box office in The Factory at Franklin or by calling (615) 541-8200, ext. 1. Discounted tickets are available for active military, veterans and educators who present their respective IDs at the Studio Tenn box office.
Image credit: Steven Dylan
ABOUT THE STUDIO TENN THEATRE COMPANY: Studio Tenn Theatre Company is a professional regional theatre company and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Middle Tennessee that exists to captivate and inspire with Broadway-quality musicals, plays, and concerts while educating the next generation to create and delight in the experience of live theatre. Learn more at studiotenn.com or by searching for Studio Tenn on Instagram and Facebook.
