18 AMERICAN BLUES THEATER AMERICAN BLUES THEATER Winner of American Theatre Wing’s prestigious 2016 National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves. Our diverse and multi-generational 36-member Ensemble has nearly 600 combined years of collaboration on stage. As of 2017, our theater and artists have 197 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 35 Black Theater Alliance Awards. Our artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards, and numerous other accolades. For over thirty years, American Blues has created essential productions and live theatrical experiences for Chicagoland. Their best known production is Chicago’s holiday tradition It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! that has entertained over 50,000 patrons since 2002! Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal wrote American Blues is “exceptional” and the company “feels like home.” Chris Jones of Chicago Tribune claimed Blues is “strikingly honest [with] deep emotional souls.” In addition to first-class theater, American Blues Theater believes it is an honor and duty to serve the community. They provide an integrated arts education program to Chicago Public Schools that serves 3,000 students annually. They hold “Pink Previews” which donates a portion of box office sales to breast cancer research. They donate thousands of complimentary tickets to underserved communities. They provide community engagement events called “Town Halls” for patrons following Sunday matinee performance, including curated discussions with Northwestern University psychologists. As a Blue Star Theater, they honor military service and first-responders through various initiatives. Former President of Illinois Labor History Society, Larry Spivak wrote, “American Blues is a dynamic force in Chicago – connecting culture, art, history, and politics into a holistic, aesthetic experience.” SEASON 32 “The Beat Goes On” by Dael Orlandersmith Chicago premiere Directed by Ron OJ Parson July 7- Aug 5, 2017 from Frank Capra’s film Directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside* Music direction by Michael Mahler* Nov 16, ‘17 - Jan 6, ‘18 by Keith Huff World premiere Directed by Gary Griffin Feb 16 - Mar 24, 2018 *Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater ABOUT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER by Alan Janes Directed by Lili-Anne Brown Music direction by Michael Mahler* Apr 27 - May 26, 2018 by Steve Murray Chicago premiere Directed by Carmen Roman* Nov 2 - Nov 26, 2017