Photo Flash: First Look at Maryland Ensemble Theatre's IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

The film based on the short story "The Greatest Gift", written by Philip Van Doren Stern has successfully been adapted for both the stage and for radio previously. In fact it was performed as a radio play twice in 1947, first on Lux Radio Theater and then on The Screen Guild Theater, then again in 1951 on the Screen Guild Theater with Stewart and Reed reprising their roles for all three radio productions.

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's production is directed by Joe Brady. Joe is a director, actor, writer, and comedian who holds an MFA in Directing from CUNY and is a graduate of Second City, Chicago. Joe is an Associate Professor of Theater at HOOD College and previously served as Artistic Director of Mother Lode Productions in Baltimore, this is his first time directing at MET. Brady's talented cast includes several actors also making there MET debut including John D'Amato, Mike Fox and Matt Kline as George Bailey. They are joined by several actors that will be familair to MET audiences including Rich Cole, Laura Stark and Courtney McLaughlin as Mary. The production team includes musical coach Geoffy Huntoon, lights by Doug Grove, costumes by Julie Herber, set design by Ali Duvall, with props by Jeanine Collins.

The show will run from December 6 through December 30 every Thursday through Sunday at the MET, located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street. The first Thursday performance will be a $5 preview night (cash only at door) and the first Sunday performance will be a gala night with a reception preceding the performance sponsored by The Greene Turtle. Tickets are $15 (Thursdays) through $24 and can be purchased at 301.694.4744, marylandensemble.org or in person at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre box office.

Now celebrating it's fifteenth season the Maryland Ensemble Theatre produces thought-provoking theatre, fun family entertainment, artist residency programs for public schools, theatre camps, challenging classes and the side-splitting Comedy Pigs.

Rich Cole and Company

Mike Fox and Company

Courtney McLaughlin and Laura Stark

Matt Kline, Laura Stark and Rich Cole

Matt Kline and Courtney McLaughlin

Matt Kline and John D'Amato

Matt Kline, John D'Amato, Mike Fox and Courtney McLaughlin

Mike Fox, John D'Amato, Laura Stark and Courtney McLaughlin