IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! BACKSTAGE GUIDE 7 Both Kevin and Zach followed another actor in our holiday tradition. What did you admire about those performances? KK: I thought I could never fill the great shoes that Jim created. His strength and talent abounded, and he was a tough act to follow. ZK: Kevin is just brilliant as “George Bailey”. First, he is an incredibly gifted actor. He puts the story to the forefront and lets the message of the play shine. His incredible vocal variety and ability to shape the text allows us to see the town of Bedford Falls right along with him, and ride the highs and lows of the show. Kevin's ability to paint a portrait of George's entire life leaves us breathless. His inherent generosity of spirit and sense of family serves the play so much, and imbues the show with so much heart. More than 50,000 patrons have experienced our It’s a Wonderful Life since 2002. What’s your favorite audience tradition? JL: The pre-show! We casually get to know each other and generate the feeling that we are going to share this ride. And then cookies and milk (and nog-like beverages) after to celebrate the sharing. No other show I've done has such an immediate and living connection with the audience. ZK: From the holiday jingles, to singing carols, to sending fellow audience members special messages...and of course, milk and cookies, this show is packed with one-of- a-kind treats to surprise our friends "in the studio" and allow them to continue making memories year after year. KK: I’m always blown away when patrons say they loved our show more than the movie. I’m so honored they feel that way. We work hard every night to create this wonderful world and their appreciation means more than words! Kevin Kelly in the 2013 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Zach Kenney in the 2015 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!