Opening Weekend Has Arrived: Nashville Repertory Theatre Unwraps a New “It’s a Wonderful Life”

A magical new adaptation launches this weekend, inviting Nashville to rediscover the joy of the season

Opening weekend has officially arrived as Nashville Repertory Theatre invites audiences to gather with loved ones and experience the magic of Christmas with a brand-new stage adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life. The production begins performances this weekend, launching a festive run through December 21 at the James K. Polk Theater at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC).

The production brings the beloved story of George Bailey and the town of Bedford Falls to the stage with warmth, wonder, and the timeless reminder that every life touches another.

Performances run December 5–21, 2025, at the James K. Polk Theater at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC)

“We are so excited to produce this brand-new adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life at Nashville Repertory Theatre,” said Amos Glass, Interim Director of Nashville Rep. “This story is about coming together and celebrating the power of community, and that’s exactly what we need this holiday season. We’re thrilled to share this show as a Christmas gift to our community.”

One fateful Christmas Eve, George Bailey stands on the edge of despair—until an angel named Clarence takes him on a journey through a world where he never existed. What he discovers is nothing short of a miracle. It’s a Wonderful Life is a heartwarming tale about purpose, community, and the extraordinary impact of an ordinary life. This beloved holiday classic reminds us all that no one is truly alone and that even the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.

With festive staging, classic storytelling, and a message filled with hope, this production is perfect for families, friends, and anyone who loves a timeless holiday tradition. The adaptation is based on the original screenplay by Frank Capra, Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, and Jo Swerling, inspired by The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern, and adapted for the stage by Catherine Bush.

As part of Nashville Repertory Theatre’s 2025–2026 season, It’s a Wonderful Life continues the Rep’s legacy of inspiring audiences through exceptional professional theatre made right here in Middle Tennessee

Performance Schedule:
Fri, Dec 5 – 7:30 PM
Sat, Dec 6 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sun, Dec 7 – 2:00 PM
Fri, Dec 12 – 7:30 PM
Sat, Dec 13 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sun, Dec 14 – 2:00 PM
Thu, Dec 18 – 7:30 PM
Fri, Dec 19 – 7:30 PM
Sat, Dec 20 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sun, Dec 21 – 2:00 PM

Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased at nashvillerep.org. Season ticket packages and single tickets—including It’s a Wonderful Life, Fat Ham, Sister Act, and Blood Sucking Leech—are available now at nashvillerep.org.

An ASL-interpreted and open-captioned performance will be offered on Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 PM, and TPAC provides a wide range of accessibility accommodations throughout the venue.

The production features a cast led by Brian Charles Rooney, Matthew Carlton, Tamiko Robinson Steele, Darci Nalepa Elam, Eve Petty, Eric D. Pasto-Crosby, Matthew Benenson Cruz, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, Garris Wimmer, Joy Pointe, Nick Govindan, and Aleia Eagleton, with direction by Alicia Fuss, apprentice direction by Christopher Cooper, movement coordination by Megan Castleberry, scenic design by Gary C. Hoff, costume design by Melissa K. Durman, lighting design by Dalton Hamilton, sound design by Kevin O’Donnell, and stage management by Marlee Shelton.

About Nashville Repertory Theatre
Since 1985, Nashville Repertory Theatre has been Middle Tennessee’s premier regional theatre, inspiring audiences with exceptional theatre that explores the human experience. The Rep produces work designed, built, and rehearsed in Nashville by highly skilled professional actors, designers, directors, and technicians—serving as a cultural, educational, and economic resource for Middle Tennessee communities.

Nashville Rep has been named Best Professional Theatre by Nashville Scene, Best Local Theatre by The Tennessean, and Largest Arts Organization by Nashville Business Journal, and has been recognized for more than 40 years of service to the community.