Pasadena Playhouse Casts Simon Helberg Stars as George Bailey

Simon Helberg. – Courtesy photo / Pasadena Playhouse

Simon Helberg, Howard Wolowitz on “The Bing Bang Theory,” will play George Bailey in the Pasadena Playhouse’s holiday production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” for 15 performances running from Dec. 12 to 23.

Last year, Helberg was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance opposite Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant in Stephen Frears’ feature film “Florence Foster Jenkins” for Paramount. Helberg also wrote, co-directed and starred opposite Melanie Lynskey, Alfred Molina and Zachary Quinto in the indie feature “We’ll Never Have Paris,” which premiered at the 2014 SXSW Film Festival, where it sold to MGM. Previously, he had a fantastic role in the Coen Brothers’ film “A Serious Man” opposite Amy Landecker and Michael Stuhlbarg.  Helberg studied acting at NYU’s Atlantic Theater Company. He has previously been seen on stage locally in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (Reprise Theatre Company) and “God of Carnage” (L.A. Theatre Works).

“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is part of the largest holiday celebration in the history of the Pasadena Playhouse. Other events include 30 performances of “Bob Baker’s Nutcracker” in the Carrie Hamilton Theatre (running through Dec. 31); and the Playhouse District Association Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Playhouse Courtyard – an event that is free to the public on Friday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. An additional free holiday concert will be held in the Playhouse Courtyard on Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. in association with the Playhouse District Association.

More from Arts