Strand Theatre Stages 1946 Film as Live Radio Broadcast

The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta, Georgia, will stage a theatrical adaptation of the 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life starting November 6. The production runs through November 22 and frames the story as a live 1940s radio broadcast rather than a traditional stage play.

The script follows George Bailey, the protagonist of Frank Capra’s original movie, as he reflects on his life on a snowy Christmas Eve. While the plot remains rooted in the source material, the presentation style shifts the audience’s focus from visual spectacle to audio immersion.

The performance relies on a single ensemble cast that portrays dozens of characters from the town of Bedford Falls. Actors switch between roles without scene breaks, a technique designed to mimic the constraints of early radio dramas. The stage setup includes vintage microphones to enhance the period atmosphere.

Sound design plays a central role in the show. Live foley artists create sound effects in real time during the performance. This approach allows the narrative to unfold through auditory cues, requiring the audience to engage with the story through listening as much as watching.

Manda Costoulas, the General Manager of The Strand, described the project as a method for sharing the holiday story with the community. She noted that the format combines nostalgia with live performance to offer a new perspective on a familiar narrative. The theater is located at 117 North Park Square in Marietta.

The Strand is a multi-use performing arts facility operated by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The group relies on private and corporate donors to fund its operations and programming. The theater aims to serve the Cobb County area with cultural entertainment.

Tickets for the November run are available for purchase at strandmarietta.org. Prices range from $27 to $42. The box office is open for walk-in sales and inquiries at the theater's main location.