Strand Theatre brings George Bailey to life in a 1940s radio drama
The Strand presents a 1940s-style radio play based on the 1946 film, with tickets priced between $27 and $42.
By Samir Patterson ·
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta is preparing for a holiday season that leans on audio nostalgia rather than visual spectacle.
The venue will present It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play from November 6 to 22, 2026. The production adapts the story from Frank Capra’s 1946 film, which follows George Bailey as he reflects on his life during a snowy Christmas Eve.
The stage adaptation frames the narrative as a live broadcast from the 1940s. An ensemble cast performs dozens of characters, switching roles without traditional set changes. The experience relies on live sound effects and vintage microphones to create the atmosphere of a classic radio studio.
Manda Costoulas, the general manager of The Strand, described the production as a fresh way to engage with a familiar story. She noted that the show combines live performance with the specific magic of audio storytelling.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play offers a fresh and engaging way to experience a classic, combining nostalgia, live performance, and the magic of storytelling,” Costoulas said. She added that the production serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on a community.
Tickets for the run are available now through strandmarietta.org. Prices range from $27 to $42. The box office is located at 117 North Park Square in Marietta.
The Strand Theatre operates as a multi-use facility governed by the Friends of The Strand. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relies on private and corporate donors to support its mission of providing cultural entertainment in Cobb County.
