A heartwarming holiday classic performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast. December 5, 6, 12, 13 at Coffee Church in Vancouver

VANCOUVER — Ekklesia Theatre is thrilled to bring the beloved holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life to the stage this Christmas season in Joe Landry’s acclaimed adaptation, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Performances continue December 12, and 13 at Coffee Church, located at 10311 NE Hwy 99 in Vancouver.

Following Ekklesia Theatre’s wildly popular debut season — including last year’s smash hit comedy Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Vancouver Christmas Show! and the spring production of When the World Was Green (A Chef’s Fable) — this year’s Christmas production continues the company’s mission of presenting meaningful, community-rooted theatre that inspires reflection and sparks connection.

Staged as a live 1940s radio broadcast, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play brings George Bailey’s story to life with a tight-knit ensemble performing dozens of characters, complete with vintage microphones, live sound effects, and the warmth and charm of old-time radio. As George faces a moment of despair on Christmas Eve, audiences are invited into a heartfelt journey of purpose, hope, and the profound impact one life can have.

Cast

Curtis Chen — Jake Laurents (George Bailey / Young George)
Randy Ridings — Freddie Filmore (Potter, Mr. Gower, Uncle Billy, and others)
Gary Hesse — Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood (Clarence, Harry Bailey, and others)
Joyél Niño — Sally Applewhite (Mary Hatch Bailey / Young Mary)
Nicole Harwood — Lana Sherwood (Violet Bick, Mrs. Hatch, and others)
Michael Harwood — Live Foley Artist

Creative Team

Kimmy DeSchiell — Director
Scott Rushford — Stage Manager
Chris Murphy — Producing Artistic Director

A holiday show with community impact

Ekklesia Theatre is proud to partner with FISH of Vancouver, a local nonprofit addressing food insecurity throughout Clark County. Fifty percent of all ticket sales will be donated directly to FISH, ensuring that this Christmas production not only uplifts audiences but also supports neighbors in need.

This commitment reflects Ekklesia Theatre’s mission to connect storytelling with service, pairing each production with community partners whose work aligns with the themes of the show.

What Audiences Are Saying About Ekklesia Theatre

“Ekklesia does soulful theater: theater that moves, that delights, that touches hearts, that uplifts. In addition to presenting thoughtful and well executed theater, the company also invests in its community, supporting neighbors in need and making the arts accessible to everyone!”

“The story truly moved us. It was such a wonderful afternoon, deeply enjoyable and incredibly affordable. We had such a great experience with Ekklesia Theatre that we’re already planning to come back again this weekend! Thank you!”

“The superb acting and directing, the compelling subject matter; this is the kind of black box theatre that makes you think. We need more good theatre like this in Vancouver. Bravo!”

“I’ll be brutally honest: anytime we see a show put on by a ‘faith-based’ outfit, the quality usually isn’t that great… I’ve never been so glad to be wrong. Ekklesia Theatre is producing real art. This is top-notch stuff. Go see it.”

“We really enjoyed the show! It was full of poignant scenes, lots of laughter, and some very talented folks! We love community theater and are looking forward to your next production.”

“It was SO FUNNY! But I didn’t expect to also get so choked up during some of the scenes. It was so good!”

“Took the family to the show last night… absolutely amazing. So much fun. Will definitely be going back time after time. Bravo!!!!!”

Performance Details

Dates: December 12, 13 at 7 p.m.
Location: Coffee Church, 10311 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA 98686
Tickets: Admission is $15 at www.ekklesiatheatre.org/tickets