George Bailey is at a crossroads, wondering if things would have been better if he’d never been born. He’s spent his life sacrificing for others and now finds himself at the end of his rope. CenterPoint Theatre’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” takes a different approach to the Christmas classic telling Bailey’s story from the perspective of an old time radio show, complete with mics, live sound effects and even commercials.

The stage is set with only six actors voicing multiple characters, dressed in the style of the 1940s. It takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls. It’s Christmas Eve 1945 and George is contemplating suicide, believing that it would be better if he had never been born. But George’s guardian angel second class Clarence Odbody is assigned to save George in order to get his wings. First, he must learn all there is to know about George’s life before he can help him. 

Clarence watches as 12-year-old George saves his brother Harry from drowning and leaves George deaf in one ear. Later, George prevents pharmacist Mr. Gower from poisoning a customer accidentally. 

In 1928, George is ready to leave behind Bedford Falls to see the world and go to college. With suitcase in hand, he’s headed to the train station when he gets word that his father has had a stroke and died. George postpones his trip to settle the affairs of his father’s business, Bailey Brothers Building and Loan. 

Board member and banker, Henry Potter wants to dissolve the company but the board votes against him to keep it open as long as George runs it. George gives the money he was planning to use for college tuition to his younger brother Harry with the agreement Harry will come back to run the company.

However, plans change when Harry comes back with a new bride and a job offer from his father-in-law. George reluctantly agrees to continue running the company and resigns himself to staying in Bedford Falls. 

George soon runs into Mary Hatch, an old acquaintance who has loved him since childhood. The two marry but must use the money for their honeymoon to keep the company afloat. The couple has three children and life is going well until Christmas Eve 1945. George’s Uncle Billy who has been helping him run the business heads for the bank to deposit $8,000. When Billy accidentally loses the money George fears scandal and possible jail time and is angry about all of the sacrifices he’s made. 

Then, Clarence steps in to help George see just what he has to be grateful for. 

The cast is amazing as they create different characters using only their voices to make them come alive. Christian DeYoung (Jake Laurents) is delightful as the long-suffering, selfless George Bailey. Timothy Behunin (Freddie Filmore) is amazing as he plays 13 different characters. Jax Jessop (Foley) gives the nostalgic sound of a radio play as he works all of the live sound effects. The rest of the cast is equally talented. 

“A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” celebrates the magic of Christmas and the true meaning of life.

The play is in the Leishman Performance Hall and runs through Dec. 21, Mondays and Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased at CPTUtah.org

or at the box office, 801-298-1302. CenterPoint Theatre is located at 525 N. 400 West, Centerville. λ