{
  "id": 11286636,
  "title": "Andrew Rannells will lead It's A Wonderful Life's Broadway debut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/andrew-rannells-will-lead-its-a-wonderful-lifes-broadway-debut",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T15:42:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The A.V. Club",
    "slug": "the-a-v-club",
    "url": "https://www.avclub.com/its-a-wonderful-life-broadway-andrew-rannells"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The beloved film \"It's a Wonderful Life,\" previously only seen on the big screen and in limited live radio performances, will make its Broadway debut next month in a unique live radio play adaptation. The production will be presented at the Broadhurst Theater from November 4 until January 3, 2027.\n\nDirected by Andrew Rannells, who will take on the role of George Bailey, the Broadway production features a talented cast of five actors. Rannells will play George alongside Megan Hilty, known for her work in \"Smash\" and \"Death Becomes Her,\" as Mary Bailey. The remaining characters will be performed by a talented ensemble, with Harry Hamlin reprise his role as Mr. Potter, Tituss Burgess appearing in multiple parts, and Lisa Rinna playing multiple characters as well.\n\nThe innovative radio play format, first introduced in 1996, allows actors to seamlessly transition between roles, ultimately reducing production costs. Rather than the film's expansive 30-odd characters, the Broadway adaptation focuses on the core relationships and story elements that make \"It's a Wonderful Life\" a timeless classic.",
  "summary": "Megan Hilty, Tituss Burgess, Lisa Rinna, and Harry Hamlin will also star in the show, which begins previews next month.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}