b'ABOUT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER AMERICAN BLUES THEATERWinner of American Theatre Wings prestigious 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 32-member Ensemble has nearly 600 combined years of collaboration on stage. As of 2019, our theater and artists have 213 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 36 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 Chicagos holiday tradition Its a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! that has entertained nearly 60,000 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 approximately 3,000 students annually.They hold Pediatric Previews which donates a portion of box office sales to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.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.FormerPresidentofIllinoisLaborHistorySociety,LarrySpivak wrote,American BluesisadynamicforceinChicago connecting culture, art, history, and politics into a holistic, aesthetic experience.SEASON 34Then & Now by Rick Cleveland*from Frank Capras filmby Christina Telesca Gorman*by Billie Joe Armstrong, Michael Mayer, & Green Day Directed by Chicago premiere Directed byGwendolyn Whiteside*Directed byMarty Higginbotham*Halena KaysMusic direction byDirected byMusic direction by Michael Mahler*Lexi SaundersZachary Stevenson*Sept 6 - Oct 19, 2019Nov 14, 19 - Jan 4, 20Jan 31 - Feb 29, 2020June 26 - Aug 15, 2020 *Ensemble or Artistic Affiliate member of American Blues Theater 24AMERICAN BLUES THEATER'