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Arts Scene: "It's A Wonderful Life" At Arkansas Rep

Arkansas Rep

If you find yourself in Little Rock for the Holidays, you don't have to be the richest man in the world to revisit a Christmas classic. 

The story of George Bailey, his guardian angel Clarence, and all the inhabitants of Bedford Falls has become something of a holiday tradition for many. 

Frank Capra's 1946 film "It's A Wonderful Life" is irreverent, heartfelt, and at times deeply tragic. Now, Arkansas Rep is bringing the story to the stage in the form of a live radio play. 

This week, we listen back to a panel discussion about the show at the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. We speak with the show's director Giovanna Sardelli, sound designer and musical arranger Jane Shaw, and actors Mary Murphy and Patrick Halley. 

They speak with Arts Scene host Daniel Breen about the challenges of balancing a live show with an aural experience, and the joys and struggles of having to play multiple characters at once. 

"It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" runs at Arkansas Rep until Dec. 29. 

Daniel Breen is News Director of Little Rock Public Radio.