The Town Players of Newtown shows some delightful, heartwarming holiday spirit with its production of The Bishop’s Wife, which opened last weekend and concludes a limited run on December 14.

The play is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Bishop Henry (played by Christopher Bird), who is down on his luck as he struggles to fund the construction of a new cathedral. Henry’s relationship with his family, notably his wife Julia (Amy Strachan), grows more strained with time. After his prayer for divine guidance is heard by a suave, charming angel named Dudley (Gus Bottazzi), Henry finds himself more annoyed by Dudley than anything else. As Dudley continues to charm everyone in Henry’s life, especially Julia, Henry believes he has to either fight for his love or risk losing his family forever.

The Bishop’s Wife is based on the classic 1947 Christmas film of the same name, and was later imagined for the stage. Under the direction of the talented Robin Frome, The Town Players has taken this Christmas classic and brought it to life on the small stage inside the company’s Orchard Hill Road theater.

The production is framed as a 1940s-style radio play, which means the story is told through a troupe of actors performing as the characters in The Bishop’s Wife in a radio station. This framing device provides a little extra fun that surrounds the greater story, and does not intrude on the actual plot of the show.

It’s most notable during the opening scene, as well as the first moments of the second act, when the cast — playing the “actors” who perform as the characters — come onto the stage in hilarious and charming ways. Some shove flowers in each other’s faces and angrily argue with the person next to them, while others try to finish eating or sneak a sip of alcohol before recording. It makes for cute, funny moments sparingly spread throughout the show.

The 1940s radio station aesthetic carries over into the set design itself. With black and white diamond tiled flooring, antique wooden chairs, vintage Christmas lights, large “On Air” and “Applause” signs, and three microphone stands set at the front of the stage, the set fully embodies the retro radio station aesthetic while celebrating the holidays. The production feels as cozy as it does intimate.

It all perfectly complements the warm-hearted tone of The Bishop’s Wife. However, the cast is what captures the spirit of the story most of all. Bird plays an amazing Henry, and conveys his discouraged, easily-annoyed demeanor through strong character acting. Focusing on his goal of building the cathedral, Henry is a character who unknowingly pushes his family away through his own stubbornness until it may be too late.

When Henry feels threatened by Dudley and finally wants to fight for his wife toward the end of the play, Bird strays from the blunt, tired attitude that has colored the character and changes it into one of determination and compassion. By the final scene, his voice is warm and bright, changed with a new outlook on life and wanting to be by his family. He makes for a great straight man throughout the show.

Strachan is great as Julia. She starts the show as a gentle, kind, and quiet woman who is quite obviously distant from Henry. Strachan captures her longing for Henry well, along with her disappointment and sadness when it is not returned or she is let down. When Dudley arrives and gives her the attention Henry cannot provide, Strachan’s Julia lights up. She smiles more, laughs, and it feels like she’s genuinely happy being with Dudley.

The audience can still believe that her love and affection lies with Henry, however, with how real and raw her concern is for him. When she tells Dudley to leave toward the end of the show, it’s equal parts heartbreaking as it is sincere and fierce. She loves Henry enough to raise her voice, a far cry from the initially timid-seeming woman she starts as. Strachan really captures her character.

Bottazzi as Dudley is a highlight of the show. He gives Dudley that classic debonair voice often seen in old Hollywood and just runs with it the whole show. When Dudley charms everyone else in the show — of course, except for Henry — it’s entirely believable becomes he just comes across as so fun and endearing thanks to Bottazzi’s fantastic portrayal.

He is more than complete charm, and has a quiet, inner conflict when it comes towards his growing feelings toward Julia. Not only is she with Henry, but he has a duty as an angel and could never love a mortal. Bottazzi as Dudley seems genuinely happiest around her, and gets plenty of laughs from the audience with his strong comedic timing.

The entire ensemble is great, with everyone perfectly portraying the vibe of their character and charming the audience. Emily Roberson-Dos Santos as Little Debbie and Mrs Hamilton shows her strong range from a sweet, innocent little girl to an initially stuck-up and selfish rich woman. Jakob Yakubik as Sylvester is a funny and endearing taxi driver who has some great physical comedy moments when he goes ice skating. The list goes on.

Every component of the show comes together and makes for a sweet and memorable production. Everyone should do themselves a favor and see this fun, enchanting holiday classic brought to life on the small stage.

Performances continue to December 14 at The Little Theater, 18 Orchard Hill Road in Newtown. The Town Players has the distinction of being the longest running community theater in Connecticut. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to bringing live theater and other events to the community. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newtownplayers.org.

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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.