Athenaeum Center Theatre presents

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Dec 11–31, 2026
 

About the Show

Written by Joe Landry

Join us this December for a captivating retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life, brought to life as a 1940s-style live radio play. Set in the intimate round of the Paradiso, every seat offers an up-close view of the beloved story of George Bailey, his guardian angel Clarence, and the steadfast community of Bedford Falls.

Staged with vintage microphones, live foley effects, and the glow of a classic broadcast studio, this immersive production draws audiences into a world where unseen sacrifices matter and even the smallest light can break through the darkest night. Through Clarence’s gentle guidance, George comes to see that a single life, faithfully lived, shapes an entire community.

Blending nostalgia with depth, this holiday tradition speaks to enduring questions of purpose, responsibility, and belonging. It reminds us that culture is formed not only by grand gestures, but by daily acts of courage and mercy.

Whether you return each year or encounter this story for the first time, this production invites you to gather, reflect, and rediscover the quiet beauty that restores hope and binds a community together.

About the Fall 2026 Season

This fall, Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture presents a season shaped by mentorship, mercy, and courageous guidance. Across theatre, film, and conversation, each work explores how stories can illuminate the path through darkness toward renewal.

From Dante 360 to It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, these works trace a journey through shadow toward revelation, guided by voices that lead us forward.

Subscription packages are now available. Subscribers receive early access and exclusive benefits across the season.

Critical Praise

Audience Reaction

Showtimes

Dec 11th
Fri
Dec 12th
Sat
Dec 12th
Sat
Dec 13th
Sun
Dec 13th
Sun
Dec 14th
Mon
Dec 17th
Thu
Dec 17th
Thu

This production has ended

Event Details

Doors Open: 1 hour before showtime
Running Time: ~120 minutes
Intermission: Yes
Ages: All ages
Performance Space: Paradiso
Address: 2936 N Southport Ave. Chicago, IL 60657
Parking: Free parking behind the building on Oakdale, and south of the building on Southport
Late Arrival Policy: You are subject to lose your assigned seat if you arrive more than 15 minutes after the start of the event
Refund Policy: NO REFUNDS

Related Events

November 13-15, 2026

Dante 360 opening this weekend!

Our ticketing system is undergoing a scheduled maintenance October 7, 5:00AM–12:00PM. We regret to inform you that you will be unable to purchase tickets during this time.

We look forward to serving you better with this update!

Come on out tonight!

An Evening with Dennis Quaid

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Expired 10:00 AM

Dante 360

Midway upon the journey of our life, I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightforward pathway had been lost.” 

And so we all begin—in darkness.

Join Dante on his most famous journey through the depths of hell, levels upon levels of purgatory, finally discovering the light and glory of paradise. You will find terror in the wild beasts he meets along the way; and only moments later great hope at the strong woman, Beatrice, who leads him always upwards.

This contemporary staged performances of one of the most epic stories of the western world is an immersive, multi-dimensional production that leads you into Dantes universe. Returning to the stage for the 4th year, this year’s production.

Its heaven. It’s hell. But above all, it’s worth the trip.

November 8–10, 2024