Capraesque is not limited to the movies.

The term, inspired by Hollywood movie director Frank Capra for his movies of bemused optimism, applies to “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” through Dec. 27, Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope.

The comedy with music is adapted by Joe Landry from the Frank Capra classic film, “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946), that starred Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, idealistic president of Bailey Brothers’ Building and Loan. His livelihood, as well as that of many of his fellow townspeople in Bedford Falls, is challeged by the Scrooge-like Henry Potter, a one-man bank in his own might, if not right.

As the title states, “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is staged as a live radio broadcast. The time is the 1940s. The stage is set up as a radio station, in this instance, WBUX, Doylestown, in front of a studio audience. You, gentle theatergoer, are the audience.

The Dec. 12 opening night audience responded enthusiastically, not only to the big “Applause” sign when it was lit, but to the show’s dialogue, music and actors.

Wayne Alan Wilcox portrays Jake Laurents, the actor who plays George Bailey. Wilcox is lanky, limber and lyrical in voice.

The other actors in the cast of six play more than two dozen characters.

Brandon J. Ellis plays Harry “Jazzbo” Heywood, whose charcterizations include that of Clarence, the guardian angel who comes to the rescue of George Bailey.

Kevin Pariseau plays Freddie Filmore, the radio emcee, who doubles at the upright piano and is the show’s music director.

Garth Kravits plays Butch Popkin, who is the Foley Artist, or the sound effects person.

Part of the fun of the show is seeing the sound effects enacted before you.

Maggie Lakis plays Lana Sherwood, whose roles include those of Zuzu, the daughter of George and Mary Bailey. Sherwood’s impression of a female child’s voice is cute and hilarious.

Whitney Bashor plays Sally Applewhite, who also plays a variety of roles. Bashor is a stunning vocalist.

One of the show’s chief delights are the five-part harmonies of the cast singing snippets of holiday song favorites, including “Winter Wonderland” and “Let It Snow,” as well as the dancing and choreography with musical staging by Jennifer Cody.

The dialogue is corny fun. “This is a pickle, George,” Freddie says.

The costume design by Nicole V, Moody also conveys the era. Scenic design by Rob Bissinger captures the sense of a radio station studio. Lighting Design by Rob Denton is varied and effective.

Sound design by Matthew Given is no easy task, what with all the sound cues.

Director Hunter Foster keeps the pace brisk and light. The versatile cast fills “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” with holiday cheer. You really will depart the Bucks County Playhouse feeling that life is indeed wonderful.