This holiday season, TheatreSquared invites Northwest Arkansas to step directly into Bedford Falls—with a world premiere stage adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life that invites the audience into a live holiday event like no other.
Quick Facts:
- Dates: November 19 through December 24
- Location: TheatreSquared’s West Theatre (477 W. Spring St., Fayetteville)
- Show times: Performances are Tuesdays - Saturdays at 7:00PM, with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00PM. Some exceptions apply; full performance schedule available at theatre2.org.
- Prices: $25-$71
- Tickets and Information: (479) 777-7477 or https://www.theatre2.org/its-a-wonderful-life-2025
Amanda Drinkall (Mary), Terry Bell (George) | Photo Credit: Wesley Hitt
Eight actors portray over 65 roles in this T2 original adaptation of what the American Film Institute called "the century’s most inspirational film." It’s a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey’s poignant journey as he puts his dreams on hold while rescuing the failing family business. On Christmas Eve, he stands alone, wishing he’d never been born, when a mysterious stranger appears. In this profound tale of redemption and holiday magic, even the cynics among us will cheer as George Bailey learns that "no man is a failure who has friends."
"I think more than ever, community is the most important thing in our lives," notes co-adaptor and director Damon Kiely. Kiely was last seen at T2 when directing the world premiere production, In the Grove of Forgetting. "We need to embrace our community, look to help and lift up our neighbor, and see each other with compassion. That's an important message no matter the year or the season."
Executive Director Shannon A. Jones says there’s excitement in the air at T2 about this new show.
"After many wonderful years of A Christmas Carol, we wanted to offer Northwest Arkansas something familiar, yet fresh—a story that asks us to see how deeply our lives are woven into our community. George Bailey's story reminds us that every small act of kindness, every moment we choose community over self-interest, reverberates in ways we can't always see."
In addition to Kiely and Ford, the creative team includes Eleanor Kahn, Scenic Design; Ruby Kemph, Costume Design; Jorge Arroyo, Lighting Design; Christie Chiles Twillie, Sound Design; Brodie Jasch, Props Design; Hope Rose Kelly, Production Stage Manager; Sarah Behrend-Wilcox, Assistant Director; Brenna Bishop, Assistant Stage Manager; Aowyn Anderson, Production Assistant; Sacha Comrie, Intimacy and Dance Consultant; and David Reed, Fight Choreographer.
The talented ensemble includes Terry Bell as George Bailey; Mark Ulrich as Mr. Potter, Clarence, and company; Ryan Vincent Anderson as Peter Bailey, Uncle Billy, Martini, and company; Amanda Drinkall as Mary, Mrs. Bailey, and company; Josette Canilao as Violet, Ruth, and company; J'Laney Allen as Harry, Nick, and company; Bellah Crawford as Zuzu, Mrs. Thompson, and company; and Bryce Kemph as Bert, Sam, and company.
Kiely's vision is as much about creating community as depicting it. "We want West Theatre to become Bedford Falls," he says. "You'll sing Christmas carols with the cast. You'll watch candles become stars, and eight actors become an entire town through the simplest theatrical means—a handed hat, a shared prop. The way we're telling this story is itself an act of community. That feels like exactly what we all need—a reminder that we're in this together, and that showing up for each other matters. It’s a story we think you’ll be glad to experience—again or for the first time."
Access Ticket Program
Through T2’s Lights Up! For Access program, supported by the Walmart Foundation, SNAP benefit recipients can purchase $1 tickets, while students and patrons under the age of 30 can purchase $15 tickets. Fully subsidized, free tickets are also available for clients of a number of local community service organizations. For more information, visit theatre2.org/lights-up.
Show Sponsors
About TheatreSquared
TheatreSquared’s signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting at 477 W. Spring St in downtown Fayetteville, AR has driven its growth to become the state’s largest theater, offering more than 350 performances annually in an intimate setting. The playwright-led company is one of mid-America’s leading laboratories for new work, having launched more than 70 new plays. Offering far-reaching access and education programs and an open-all-day gathering space, the Commons Bar/Café, TheatreSquared remains rooted in its founding vision, that "theater—done well and with passion—can transform lives and communities."
Major funding for the TheatreSquared Season 20 is provided by the Walton Family Foundation; the Walmart Foundation; the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation; the Windgate Foundation; the Shubert Foundation; the Simmons Family Foundation; the Tyson Family Foundation; the American Theatre Wing; the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts; Arts Midwest; Bob and Becky Alexander; Jane Hunt; Cece Box and Ric Cooper; Barbara Shadden; and Todd Simmons and Melissa Hall Simmons.
Marketing support for TheatreSquared Season 20 is provided by Experience Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Flyer, 3W Magazine, CitiScapes, KUAF, 5NEWS, MailCo USA, iHeart Radio, NWA Daily, and ROARK.