Travel back in time to 1946 New York City and imagine what it’s like to sit around a radio instead of watching a television show. The small cast of the Chapin Theatre Company is presenting a live radio play of “It’s a Wonderful Life” with a bit of a twist while remaining true to the spirit of the classic film.

There are only six actors, according to director Tiffany Dinsmore, and they take on multiple voices/roles of the characters from the film.

“What’s happening in the play is they’re at a radio station in New York City and there’s a snowstorm and it’s Christmas Eve,” said Dinsmore. “The play was to do a live broadcast but not everyone shows up. Only five of the 20 actors show up because of the snowstorm. Eventually, the sound guy shows up.”

As the saying goes, the show must go on and the six actors, including the sound guy, do the adaptation of the show on live radio for the nation to hear. Each actor does different characters and even sound effects, which Dinsmore said is complex for the actors, who have to switch from one voice to another. They also do radio commercials, such as a comedic ad for Duck’s Toilet Cake.

Givining an example of the actors portraying different roles, Dinsmore said one cast member, George Dinsmore, plays Jake Laurents, who in the course of the play portrays “It’s a Wonderful Life” protagonist through the years. Frank Thompson plays Freddy, the radio host, and 14 different people. 

By switching hats, accessories, props and voices, the cast seeks to help the audience get into it. 

There are plenty of comedic moments, with Dinsmore saying it’s a heartwarming play for the whole family.

The director added that for the generation who remembers sitting around a radio listening to shows, it will bring back memories from before television was introduced. 

In addition to delivering poignant moments from the film — such as the ringing of a bell signifying an angel getting his wings — Dinsmore said the audience will also get a chuckle here and there.

“Several of them are stand-up comedians in disguise,” she said of the cast. “They had a ball ad libbing and coming up with silly stuff. They’re so good at improv and reacting. It’s fun to watch them have fun.”

This is the final play for the Chapin Theatre Company this year, its first in a permanent home after being mobile for years. The company performs five seasonal shows a year, with the summer show being at Harbison Theatre, Dinsmore said. 

“If they’ve never seen the film, they’ll get the whole film. It’s like watching a radio show,”  the director sai of what audiences can expect from the new production.