The beloved Frank Capra film comes to Broadway this season as It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, a staging that presents the story as a 1940s radio broadcast. A cast of five voices all the residents of Bedford Falls, with live sound effects created on stage. It plays the Broadhurst Theatre from November 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
Quick Facts
| Dates | November 5, 2026 – January 3, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W 44th St, Manhattan |
| Cast size | Five actors playing dozens of roles |
| Tickets | Via the official Broadway box office or authorized sellers |
| Subway | A/C/E to 42 St–Port Authority; 1/2/3/7/N/Q/R/W/S to Times Sq–42 St |
What to Expect
The radio-play format is a cozy, theatrical way to experience the story: actors at vintage microphones, a Foley table of sound effects and the feeling of being in the studio audience on a winter night in 1946. It’s a good pick for adults and older kids who know the film.
Make It a Broadway Holiday Night
The Broadhurst is steps from Times Square and a few blocks from the Rockefeller Center tree and Radio City. For dinner, Restaurant Row on West 46th Street is a two-minute walk.
About the Story
Frank Capra’s 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart, follows George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others in the small town of Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve, facing ruin, he’s shown by his guardian angel Clarence what the town would have been like had he never been born. Initially a modest success, the film became a beloved holiday classic through television broadcasts.
The Radio Play Format
The stage adaptation imagines a live radio broadcast in a 1940s studio, with actors voicing every character at microphones and creating sound effects live: footsteps, doors, snow and bells. It’s an intimate, nostalgic way to experience the story.
Tips
- Book directly through the official box office.
- Weekday performances are usually easier to get.
- The Theater District gets busy before curtain; allow time.
More Shows
See our best Christmas shows guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is It’s a Wonderful Life on Broadway?
November 5, 2026 through January 3, 2027 at the Broadhurst Theatre.
How many actors are in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play?
A cast of five plays all the roles.
