Paul Lindstrom and Amber Schiltz rehearse for the presentation of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Holy Spirit School in Norway. The radio drama will be performed by the Norway Area Preservation Society.

NORWAY — The Norway Area Preservation Society will present “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Holy Spirit Central School in Norway. The radio-on-stage production by Tony Palermo is based on the classic holiday film that starred James Stewart.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is an Americanized story of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol.” But in Frank Capra’s movie version, George Bailey is the character who meets an otherworldly visitor in the form of an angel. Through a frightful journey on Christmas Eve, Bailey is shown what the world would be like if he was never born, and like Scrooge, is transformed by the true spirit of Christmas. While this radio version is faithful to the film, it adds the engaging theatrical experience of a 1940s radio production. The set is an authentic radio studio, complete with vintage microphones and “live” sound effects.

“Set in 1946, the experience will be exactly as it would have been for audiences who attended radio shows back then,” said Carol Sundstrom. “The actors will perform in costumes that depict the era, and a sound technician will create the sound effects manually. Scenes will be bridged by music that was typical of the 1940s-style dramas. Part of this production’s appeal is watching a performance just as it was performed for the radio. Back then, the live audience’s reactions were part of the broadcasted show.”

“It’s a Wonderful Life” already is a Christmas favorite, but this special stage version is sure to delight audiences. True to the original story, this production will also include the nostalgia of classic radio shows.

Tickets for “It’s a Wonderful Life” are $12 and available at Northern Interstate Bank of Norway and its branches. Limited tickets will be available at the door.

For more information, call 906-221-3702.