Marin Theater Company Kicks Off the Holiday Season With 'It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play'

The Marin Theater Company kicked off it’s holiday season Tuesday with the release of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, which runs through Dec. 23.

It was orginally scheduled to end Dec. 16, but due to 'enthusiastic audience response,' the Marin Theater Compnay added eight performances, extending the life of the play by a week.

“I can’t wait to share this heartwarming tale of hope with Mill Valley and our extended community in Marin and beyond, said artistic director Jasson Minadakis. "The whole theater is going to be awash with the holiday spirit from the lobby to the theater itself.”

The live radio play adaptation of Frank Capra’s 1947 film It’s a Wonderful Life, is regarded as an American classic and also tops the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 most inspiring films of all time. This adaptation tells the story of George Bailey, an everyday man who, through a little divine intervention, learns ‘no man is a failure who has friends’ as if it were a live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform dozens of characters, while creating foley sound effects.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play premiered in 1996 at Stamford Center for the Arts in Stamford, Conn. and has been produced across the country. It’s played twice in the Bay area at the Berkeley Playhouse in 2009 and at San Jose’s Tabard Theatre Company in 2011.

At the Marin Theater Company, Jon Tracy, who has worked with SF Playhouse, Aurora Theatre Company, Shotgun Players, Impact Theater and many other local companies, is making his debut as director.

“I’m delighted to welcome director Jon Tracy back for his first main stage production,” Minadakis said. “He has an exciting festive vision for this timeless classic.”

The local production also features returning Marin Theater Company actors Patrick Kelly Jones, Gabriel Marin, and Carrie Paff, as well as newcomers Sarah Overman and Michael Gene Sullivan.

Audience members are asked to arrive at least 20 minutes early for preshow festivities. Discount family packages are available, along with discounted $20 tickets to those under 30. Children under five are not permitted.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is our first holiday celebration of family, friends and community in nearly 20 years,” said artistic director Jasson Minadakis.

IF YOU GO:

What: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Where: Marin Theater Company, 397 Miller Ave.

When: Nov. 27 – Dec. 16

• Evenings:
  
  • Tue, Thu, Fri, & Sat at 8 p.m.
  • Wed at 7:30 p.m. 
  • Sun at 7 p.m.

• Matinees:
  
  • Every Sun, 2 p.m.
  • Sat, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m.
  • Thu, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m.

TICKETS: $36–$57, depending on show (discounts available for seniors and those under 30)

Check marintheatre.org or call the box office at (415) 388-5208 for more information.