Steel Valley Drama Presents "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play"

"It's A Wonderful Life" has been a holiday classic for decades, beloved by generations of families who gather around to watch the film each year on television.

But when the film first premiered in 1946, most families didn't have televisions. The radio was the primary source of home entertainment. It is in that spirit that the Steel Valley Drama Club is transporting audiences back in time with its presentation of "It's A Wonderful LIfe: A Live Radio Play" from Thursday, December 4 through Saturday, December 6. 

Tickets are $5 and the show begins each evening at 7 p..m.

Adapted by Joe Landry, the show will include on-stage seating to help recreate the sensation of families gathering around the radio to listen to entertainment. Set in a Pittsburgh radio station in 1948, the show tells the classic holiday story of George Bailey, a kind-hearted man who has given all he can to his community, only to question his true value and purpose. It takes the intervention of his guardian angel to show George just how important he is to the people around him.

Much like the radio shows of decades ago, the show features an ensemble cast playing multiple roles. Kash Velasquez stars as George Bailey and Rebecca Kleiber stars as Mary Bailey. Theo Coyne plays the roles of Gower, Billy, and Potter; Josie Strom appears as Rose Bailey and others; Shaterra Meadows performs as Clarence and others; Loghan Muha performs as Joseph, Ernie, and others; Peter Bos plays Harry, Sam, and Dr. Campbell; Sunny Clark plays Violet and Matilda; Zakiyya Berts performs as Pete and the Bridge Keeper; Effie Seidling plays Zuzu and others; Janine Clark performs as Young Violet, Martini, and Horace; Kylie Kern plays Young Mary, Mrs. Hatch, and Mrs. Thompson; and Jacob Wright plays Young George.

Radio plays used live sound effects created by Foley artists, and the Steel Valley Drama Club has recreated that environment. The Foley Team is Aaliyah Abdullah, Sophia McEnheimer, Katye McNeely, Oli Wedig, and Paige Yura. The stage crew is Haneya Benboujema, Noah Hughes, Luke Kleiber, Paige Perhacs, and Jacob Wright.

The show is directed by Austin Riley, with Betsy Novotny as assistant director. Elaina Fedoris is the stage manager, with Jaden Bainbridge, Amber Fey, and Aston Mitchell handling properties and stage dressing. Betsy Novotny is the costume designer and Effie Seidling designed the poster.

Join the Steel Valley Drama Club and get into the spirit of the season with a truly classic holiday tale in a vintage format!

Enjoy some photos from the show in our gallery.