‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in Westchester

For many, no holiday is complete without a viewing of Frank Capra’s classic It’s a Wonderful Life. It may surprise some people to know that the movie wasn’t met with immediate praise upon its release. However, it has since become a beloved holiday tradition that acts as a reminder of the impact one person can have on the lives of those around them. Venues around Westchester are pulling out all the stops to present this story, in both cinematic and live audio formats.  It’s a seasonal movie with a universal message. Life is full of highs and lows, struggles and triumphs, worries and celebrations – and it’s a journey worth exploring. It’s…wonderful, one might say. 

The Story:

The movie follows George Bailey, played by James Stewart, an adventure-seeker with dreams of changing the world. However, life had different plans for him and he wound up staying in his small hometown running the family business. When accumulated stresses seem too much to bear, he contemplates ending his life, wishing he had never been born at all. That is, until an angel comes to save him, and grants his wish – the angel Clarence shows Bailey what life would be like for his loved ones if he was never born. 

For those who are looking for the classic movie-going experience:

Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville will welcome viewers on December 19 & 22 with comfortable seating and all of the movie-going accoutrements. Guests can stop upstairs at the Take 3 bar for a bite or drink to round out the experience. Similarly, Bedford Playhouse has comfortable, ample seating and a café to stop in prior- or post-screening on December 15. 

For a new type of Christmas Eve brunch: 

At Alamo Drafthouse, comfy seats are also your breakfast table. Moviegoers who attend the theater’s Christmas Eve (12/24) screening can also partake in a special-menu brunch in honor of the movie. The menu includes food items like blueberry donut french toast bake, breakfast tacos and more, which are served with classic cocktails like Coming Up Rosé Fizz. 

For a historic setting: 

Tarrytown Music Hall has been host to music legends for decades, but on December 23, the music hall will help to usher in the holiday spirit with a screening of the black and white classic film. Guests will be surrounded by the opulent details of the 1886 historic landmark building while watching the classic film.

For theatrical radio renditions: 

Two local events bring the radio to the stage with live audio renditions of this classic story. Harrison Players will act out the radio play live on stage on December 6 and 7, complete with commercials, hot cocoa and carolers. The Westchester Brassmen will join this year’s production at the Veterans’ Memorial Building in Harrison. 

A live audio theater presentation at the Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library and Larchmont Village Center on December 21 is a recreation of the 1953 Lux Radio Theater version of It’s a Wonderful Life. The event features a remote audio welcome and talk from Karolyn Grimes, the actress who played ZuZu in the film. Also included is an It’s a Wonderful Life video, and a quiz with prizes. This performance, co-presented by several local groups – The Sandbox Theater, Larchmont Mamaroneck & Port Chester/Rye Brook Lions, Larchmont and Port Chester Libraries, Port Chester High School, the Westchester Council for the Blind, LMC Media and SPERDVAC – is accessible for blind, visually impaired and handicapped communities.

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