It’s a Wonderful Life–A Radio Play has returned to Hartford Stage as its holiday offering through Saturday, Dec. 24. It is even better this year than last.

For the radio play, we are the live studio audience to actors performing the piece for a radio audience. Because the listeners can’t see what is going on, actors play multiple roles and hold scripts, and there are no costume changes or sets. For the at-home audience, it depends on the voice and the sound effects and the imagination. For the studio audience, we are expected to applaud on cue. Think of it as a type of audiobook read before a live audience who react to the goings on.

While we may all miss the iconic A Christmas Carol–A Ghost Play that has been a staple at Hartford, this is a delightful substitute.

We can continue to hope that my favorite Christmas Carol production returns soon.

In the first act, the director (last year Artistic Director Melia Benussen and Rachel Alderman and now Zoë Colub-Sass), stick to the radio play concept, keeping the actors at the microphones. But in act two, it seems as though the conceit is forgotten, and the performers move about the stage with little regard for the listeners at home. This is great for those of us watching the play.

As you enter the theater–the stage is set as a radio studio–stand microphones are scattered about, “applause” and “on air” signs are ready to light up. In the back is the area for the sound affects man–all types of noise-making equipment. Various-sized oriental rugs are used to break up Hartford’s large stage.

The cast and the sound effects guy make their way and greet each other. It is Christmas Eve and the program is presenting It’s a Wonderful Life.

We are the studio audience, encouraged to laugh and applaud to help the listeners at home feel as though they are present.

Cast members play a specific actor with a backstory and personality. Each, except Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr,. plays multiple characters. He plays George and the young George. When the cast is not voicing their characters, we see how they interact with each other.

Two of the ensemble are returning from last year. Evan Zes plays Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood, a comic sidekick. As Heywood, Zez plays George’s brother but is particularly good as Clarence the Angel 2nd Class who is assigned to save George. Also returning is Jennifer Bareilles who is both seductive and touching as Violet, childlike as Zuzu, and lowers her voice to be several of the tough male characters.

Price Waldman has taken over the role of the show’s host, but he also plays the villain Mr. Potter and George’s Uncle Willy. Nicole Shalhoub is sweet as George’s wife, Mary.

George L. Simmons, Jr is fine as George, yet somehow, I felt something was missing in his performance.

You can’t overlook the contribution of Liam Bellman-Sharpe who manages the sound effects from the bell that announces Clarence’s wings to door slams, street noises and more. It seemed that this time around, I was looking at him more.

For tickets to this heartwarming and enjoyable version of this classic play, visit HartfordStage.org.