Z. Joseph Guice and Rebecca Morris play George and Mary Bailey in the stage adaptation of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” on Nov. 21 at the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

An adaptation of the Christmastime classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” set as a “live broadcast” from a 1940s-era radio station takes the stage this holiday season at Western Carolina University.

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Fine and Performing Arts Center. Ticket prices are $25 for adults; $20 for senior citizens and WCU faculty and staff; and $5 for students.

The film version of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” released in 1946 and directed by Frank Capra, is among the most beloved holiday films ever made. Set in small-town America shortly after World War II, the story centers on George Bailey, a conflicted man who finds himself pondering a Christmas Eve suicide. When his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, intervenes, George receives a view of the world as if he’d never been born.

The N.C. Stage Company presents the theatrical performance, set as a live, Christmas Eve broadcast from the fictional studios of WBFR radio. Five actors assume more than 35 roles and provide all the story’s live sound effects and “station breaks.” The production stars actors Z. Joseph Guice as George Bailey and Rebecca Morris as Mary Bailey, George’s wife. Matthew Burke, Tiffany Cade and Joe Sturgeon play all other characters.

To purchase tickets, visit the FAPAC box office, or call the box office at (828) 227-2479 for Visa and MasterCard orders. To order online, go to www.ticketreturn.com and select “need tickets” on the left-hand side. Select the “arts & entertainment” tab, and then find “FAPAC events” under the “Western Carolina University” heading.

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Last modified Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008.