In every respect of intensity, pacing, inflection and ironic tone, McLinden’s personification echoes Stewart’s. It was Stewart who immortalized George in Frank Capra’s 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life” with one of those instantly defining performances that seems to meld actor and character in our minds forever.Īll this is by way of coming round to American Theater Company’s 10 th anniversary renewal of “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play” and the charming – as well as painfully convincing – performance by Christopher McLinden as George. No matter how many times you return to “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play,” it’s impossible not to see and hear Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, the man who sees his life’s dream slip away and then must endure a calamity that pushes him to the brink on Christmas Eve. Review: “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play,” adapted from Frank Capra’s screen play, at American Theater Company through Dec.