It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Door County Marks a Milestone for TAP
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STURGEON BAY, Wis. - WisconsinEagle -- Rehearsals began this week at Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) for the new adaptation of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Door County by Neil Brookshire with additional material by Dan Klarer. The final show of the 2026 season at TAP runs from December 2 through December 27, 2026, featuring Cassandra Bissell, Brian Grimm, Ray Jivoff, Dan Klarer, Ryan Schabach, and Rachael Zientek.

We're back with an all new version of It's A Wonderful Life!  With the helpful assistance of a multi talented musician and foley artist, our top-notch ensemble of actors once again brings the lovable and irascible residents of Bedford Falls to captivating life in this staged 1940s radio broadcast where you are the live studio audience!

"There's something enduring about It's a Wonderful Life – a parable for us all, reminding us that our lives are woven together in ways we don't always recognize," says director Samantha Martinson. "I'm grateful we get to share this story with you, and I hope it offers a moment to pause and perhaps recognize the wonderful life all around you."

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This production marks a special milestone for TAP, celebrating the twenty-fifth production for both Jackie and Steve Kane Artistic Director Jacob Janssen and Technical Director Alex Polzin. Since joining TAP for the 2022 season, Janssen and Polzin have played an integral role in bringing the theatre's productions to life, contributing to all five mainstage productions each season.

For Janssen, the milestone reflects his ongoing artistic leadership and commitment to meaningful storytelling, community engagement, and the development of new works. A director and producer with more than a decade of professional experience at theatres in Washington, D.C., since arriving in Door County, Janssen has helped shape TAP's artistic vision, championing both established and emerging playwrights.

For Polzin, reaching twenty-five productions celebrates the creative craftsmanship and technical expertise that make each production possible. As Technical Director, he brings a background in applied theatre technology and design, with experience as a scenic artist, carpenter, and designer, as well as work with Creede Repertory Theater and Utah Festival Opera. Since joining TAP in 2022, Polzin has helped translate each production's artistic vision into a physical reality onstage, as well as scenic design for several productions.

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Together, Janssen and Polzin represent two essential sides of the theatrical process: the artistic vision that guides an organization and the technical creativity and collaboration that bring that vision to life.

For more information about performances of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Door County at Third Avenue PlayWorks or to purchase tickets, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org/its-a-wonderful-life-live-in-door-county or call the box office at (920) 743-1760.