Peter Gallagher and Shirley Jones Will Join Annette Bening for Benefit Reading of "It's a Wonderful Life"

By Andrew Gans
05 Dec 2011

Annette Bening
Annette Bening
Photo by Krissie Fullerton

Casting is now complete for the Geffen Playhouse's one-day-only reading of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life," adapted by Tony Palermo and directed by Bart DeLorenzo, which is set for Dec. 10 at 3 PM and 8 PM in the Gil Cates Theater.

As previously reported, the starry cast will be headed by four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening, along with three-time Emmy Award winner Bryan Cranston, stage and screen actress Glenne Headly and Josh Stamberg.

Newly announced for the readings are stage and screen star Peter Gallagher as George Bailey, veteran actress-singer Shirley Jones along with her husband Marty Ingels, character actor Leslie Jordan, TV actress Lorraine Toussaint and Gregory Itzin.

The readings are a joint fundraiser for the Geffen Playhouse and The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment.

This adaption of "It’s a Wonderful Life," according to production notes, "captures the heartwarming holiday spirit of the classic film with the nostalgia of a live radio play." Bening will play the role of Mary. 

Pre-show entertainment will be provided by the a capella trio The Chantilly Sisters, who will be caroling around the lobby singing holiday favorites and timeless tunes dressed to the nines in classic 1940s style.

Ticket prices currently range from $69 - $93 and go to benefit the Geffen Playhouse and The Actors Fund. Tickets can be purchased online at www.geffenplayhouse.com, in-person at the Geffen Playhouse box office or by calling (310) 208-5454.